Nine riding, wagon, cycling and walking trails, made up of almost 500 people, paraded through the South Otago town on Saturday for the last day of the 26th annual Otago Goldfields Cavalcade.
The town held a market day for the event before a hoedown that night.
Owaka host town committee secretary Katy Button said it was "definitely" a huge day for the area.
"Everyone just feels so overwhelmed. Owaka has proven itself very capable."
Locals helped wherever they could to create a great atmosphere, she said.
"The town really turned itself on. It injected a lot into the economy."
Owaka Four Square owner Ross Freeman said it was a "steady, fantastic weekend" for the store.
"It was much busier than usual. I’d rate it like it was a New Year’s weekend."
Pounawea Motor Camp owner Lee-Anne Dey said the spot was "especially busy" at the weekend.
Cavalcade co-ordinator Terry Davis said it was one of the largest parades in recent years, with close to 3000 lining up to watch.
"It was a beautiful day in Owaka. I believe the community is really happy."
There were about 70 stalls at the market day, 400 tickets were sold to a dinner that night and a packed hoedown.
Those who had not trained were feeling "a few muscles they haven’t felt in a long time" by the end, he said.
The two main injuries recorded throughout the cavalcade were one broken arm and one shoulder dislocation, which was less than other years, he said.
"The weather was great. It was enough wind and rain to make it interesting, but not too much to put a dampener on things."
The addition of the first cycle trail brought something new to the event, he said.
Next year’s cavalcade will finish in Hawea.
