In its 16th year, A&P Society business development manager Hillary Riches said they were looking for something a bit different with this year's awards.
"It needs to have bit of wow," she said. "It's a big cost to bring in these things, it is huge having this marquee here. It's not just another building, it's a unique space."
Nestled in the showgrounds, Ms Riches said the idea was that guests would feel as though they were dining outside.
They had chosen not to install flooring so that as well as adding to this feel, the grass underfoot would ensure the awards were "not just another event".
Mardigras director Greg Gilmour said the marquee, which was used for the first Hobbit movie premiere, and brought up from Wellington, was unlike anything available in Hawke's Bay.
"I saw some images of it and I thought it would be a good idea," he said. "It's about keeping it fresh."
After managing to keep the marquee a secret, its frames and clear roof were erected last week, with all hands on deck from yesterday until Tuesday's event.
Mardigras staff spent yesterday afternoon setting up adjoining kitchen, and entrance marquees, while a team from Palmerston North's Image Group NZ rigged the venue for sound and lighting.
Mr Gilmour's team will then install the finishing touches including tables, a stage, and creative decorations - from greenery, to lanterns made from old wine barrels.
A lot of people have offered their help to set up one of the region's biggest locally owned and event managed events.
As well as the 20 people associated in setting up the event "from start to finish", spouses, families, and friends have also lent a helping hand.
"It's like a family," Mr Gilmour said.
Although constructing the venue from the ground up was a bit of a challenge, "we love it, the boys look forward to this event every year".
