Editorial: Region puts on a show for visitors

Linda Hall.

What ho chaps! The 28th Art Deco festival is officially in full swing today.

I've seen a few vintage cars on the streets in the last few days and expect to see a whole lot more from now until Sunday.

I'd love to know how many people attended the first Art Deco Weekend. Since those early days numbers have exploded with an estimated 40,000 people expected to walk the streets of Napier over the next few days.

That is incredible and congratulations should go the the organisers and the hundreds of people who volunteer their time to make this festival run so smoothly.

Then in less than two weeks the 2016 Horse of the Year begins.

There are more than 7000 entries with horses and riders converging on the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds from all over New Zealand to compete in this outstanding event.

That's just the competitors - more than 50,000 spectators are expected to walk through the gates during the event which runs from March 1-6.

That's a lot of people.

These events showcase our region. This summer has seen record numbers visit Hawke's Bay. I'm sure that's a kick-back from people attending events such as these.

Once they have visited and seen what we have to offer they can't wait to return.

So during the next few weeks when the roads are busy and the streets are swarming with people have patience and be courteous.

We want these people to go away with a smile on their face. We want them to rant and rave to their friends and family about what a fantastic place Hawke's Bay is.

We want them to visit again next summer and go to our wineries, cafes and shops. Who wouldn't want to spend time in this beautiful place.