GISBORNE - When the sun goes down over Gisborne tonight, the city will take its cue to launch the biggest event it is ever likely to see.
The country's most easterly city is putting the final touches to the $1 million Ruamano 2000 dawn ceremony tomorrow,when images from Midway Beach will be beamed around the world.
Yesterday, a stream of cars, campervans and caravans flowed into the city. Camping grounds were reaching capacity and with today's influx, Gisborne Year 2000 organiser Derek Allan is expecting no less than 75,000 visitors to the district by tonight. On the streets, locals are witnessing the hype of the past five years coming together. Motel owner Margaret Candy said there was a great feeling in town.
"I think everybody's just excited and hyped up, and it's going to happen."
Extra fire crews and 140 police have arrived to back up emergency services over the next three days.
About 100 international journalists are also in town.
The Navy survey ship HMNZS Resolution and tall ships the Spirit of New Zealand and Soren Larsen, are in port waiting to take part in Ruamano 2000.
The mass flotilla, including 18 waka from throughout the country, the Cook Islands and Marshall Islands, will sail to shore as the sun rises above Poverty Bay.
The great Northland waka hourua (double-hulled canoe) Te Aurere, which has travelled from Whangarei, was given a powhiri welcome at the Gisborne wharf yesterday afternoon.
And 250 cyclists who left Auckland 18 days ago on a 750km First to the Sun bicycle tour rode in convoy down the main street.
Gisborne's most famous daughter, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, received a private welcome from the Waihirere cultural group.
As darkness fell last night, 150 performers ran through a final rehearsal for Ruamano 2000.
