Saddle up Central, the 30th Goldfields Cavalcade is back early next year, and will finish in host town Millers Flat.

The event will take place from February 25 – March 4, 2023.

After the disappointment of last year’s cancellation due to Covid-19 restrictions, organisers of the annual event are delighted to have it back on track.

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people are expected to gather in Millers Flat to welcome the cavalcaders with a Grand Parade before being entertained at the market fete.  

The market will include over 70 stalls of food, arts and crafts and will feature hours of family entertainment.

“Millers Flat is thrilled to have been invited to host the final day of celebrations. It's the 30th year of this iconic event, so a very special one,” organising committee member Deborah (Deb) Dons said.

The 20-strong organising committee is already at work planning a toe-tapping hoedown for the final night (March 4). Committee members are planning a hearty meal with live entertainment from two Southern bands. 

Deb says the Millers Flat community is right behind the event with many volunteering to help on the day.  

An Economic Impact Survey conducted by OGHT in 2019, shows the Goldfields Cavalcade has been a significant revenue generator for rural Otago for the last 27 years. 

On average, an estimated $1,000,000 has been injected into host town district economies through hosting the Cavalcade.

Arriving at Patearoa, Cavalcade 2019

The 2023 cavalcade is offering something for every adventurer: two wagon and horse riding trails, five horse riding trails, one tramping trail, one walking trail, one running trail, and a mountain biking trail are planned.

Atop the Pisa Range, Cavalcade 2011

Entries to the general public open Tuesday November 1 and, due to most entries being held over since last year, spaces are very limited. 

Don’t hold your horses, book now.

A well earned rest for Dory (left) and friend, Cavalcade 2011