Moo-ve over Waimumu, East Otago could become the epicentre for southern rural celebrations from today.
The first East Otago Field Days, an offshoot of the expanded Palmerston and Waihemo A&P Association show, has proved far more popular with exhibitors than organisers first expected.
Association president Paul Mutch, who also chairs the field day co-ordinating committee, said the interest from exhibitors had added ''a real buzz and excitement'' to preparations for the two-day agricultural festival.
''We had thought 30 [exhibitors], and then we thought maybe by a second guess 60 - we now have over 100,'' Mr Mutch said.
The A&P show had ''always been a mix'' of livestock, entertainment, events and trade exhibitions but organisers had decided to ''specialise'' and form a dedicated field days, especially with the growth of equestrian events at the now two-day Waitangi weekend A&P show.