Men, get your best suits out, and ladies, don a fancy frock and fascinator - the races are on in Rotorua this weekend.
Saturday will mark the start of the inaugural Rotorua Autumn Carnival at Arawa Park and organisers hope it will become as prestigious as major carnivals in other centres.
The
carnival will kick off on Saturday with its biggest race - the Platinum Homes New Zealand Rotorua Cup - followed by a second day of races - the newly created Rotorua Gold Cup Day - next weekend.
But the carnival would not just be about races.
TRAC marketing and sponsorship manager Don Paterson encouraged punters to dress up for the occasion and make the most of a fun day out.
He said it was about going out and enjoying a "Rotorua day in the sun".
"It's going to be a fun day out for people right across the board," he said.
There would also be live music, free kids' entertainment and lots of prize giveaways.
One lucky person will win a trip to Sydney and another will win a home theatre system, plus there is a chance to win a world cruise aboard the Queen Elizabeth and a brand new Hyundai i45 Elite, each worth $50,000.
A Rotorua Punter of the Year competition is also planned.
Mr Paterson said it was important to provide entertainment to complement the racing.
"It's one of the things we try to do at all our events."
A public lawn would be available for punters to put up gazebos and blankets and umbrellas.
People could also take food and drinks, although BYO limits applied.
Mr Paterson hoped to grow the event to match Auckland Cup Week and Cup and Show Week in Christchurch.
While the traditional Rotorua Cup Day had always been held in May, the opportunity to add on another big meeting a week later meant the carnival concept was obvious, Mr Paterson said.
"Not only does the carnival have the potential to deliver considerable economic impact to the region, but the event's ability to encourage spending in other parts of the local economy, such as in retail and hospitality, can deliver considerable economic stimulus to local business."
