Ten thousand Cantabrians are expected to attend the annual The Food Show at Horncastle Arena this weekend.
Organiser, Rebecca Stewart, says it was important the show went on in the wake of the March 15 Christchurch terrorist attack - three weeks ago.
"We can't let the bad guys win ... you have to have things people are passionate about and let them come and experience that," she said.
The Food Show - a three day event - has three times as many security guards rostered compared to previous years as the terror alert level in New Zealand remains high.
Ms Stewart says the heightened security is purely precautionary and is to ensure the exhibitors and general public feel safe and comfortable at the event.
There are 120 exhibitors this year, many of them support the moves taken by the organisers.
Caroline Holland of Pics Peanut Butter in Nelson made the trip down to Christchurch on Friday morning. She said they never thought twice about coming, and wanted to show their support by being at this year’s event.
Greg Skinner of Vital Zing says it’s important Christchurch gets back to normality, following what has been a major catastrophe.
The Food Show has been running in Christchurch since 2002.
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