Dust off your cowboy hats and checked shirts because the country is coming back to town with the 2012 Gold Guitars under way in Gore this weekend.
Awards convener Philip Geary said this year's event attracted record numbers with 708 entries over 32 categories, up from 647 last year.
About five months' planning had gone into the event, which was the highlight of New Zealand's country music calendar, he said.
Tonight, the New Zealand Country Music awards will be held in the town, with South Otago musician Aaron Jury one of three finalists in the best country music song category.
The Gold Guitars begin tomorrow with auditions for all sections beginning at locations around town at 8.15am with auditions for the "Freeze Ya Bits Off Busking Competition" beginning at noon till 2pm in Gore's central shopping area.
Later that night, the Hands of Fame Induction and Variety Concert begins 8 o'clock at Gore's Town and Country Club Stadium, with 2012 inductees Pat and Brendan Dugan.
On Saturday, busking continues throughout the day until the finals at 4pm at the Heartland Hotel Croyden, with the Traffers Gore Truck Show and Parade at 2pm.
The intermediate and junior finals will be held on Saturday night at Gore's Town and Country Club Stadium.
The awards continue on Sunday, with the 40-plus and 60-plus finals, followed by the senior finals.
