Organisers of the Bluff Oyster Festival are in a race against the clock to ensure this year's event can go ahead.
A dangerous historic building needs to be pulled down in a matter of weeks to allow seafood lovers back to enjoy the southern delicacy.
There is just over a month to go before it is showtime - and tickets have already been sold.
Demolition of the 19th-century style Club Hotel is the final piece of the puzzle to bring the beloved event back to life.
It's been quite a journey for the volunteer trust who have been working for nearly six years to come up with a solution for the town's only heritage listed building.
Bluff Oyster and Food Festival chairperson John Edminstin told 1News, "we're cranking over the guts of five years to get it down."
But he admits it's been "one hiccup after another - it's been a long, hard road."
The usually annual event last took place back in 2021.
The following year it was cancelled due to the pandemic and again because of the category two former hotel, which was deemed unsafe, and sits adjacent to festival's purpose-built facilities.
The Oyster Festival Trust bought the property in 2014, with a plan to expand the footprint of the space.
"[it will allow us] a few more tickets, perhaps, and make it more comfortable for the punters that come.. because you have to sell ex-amount of tickets to make a profit," Edminstin said.
Shortly after the trust bought the building, it became listed with Heritage New Zealand.
Then it was slapped with a 'dangerous building' notice by the Invercargill City Council.
It's been back and forth for the festival and council, with an independent commissioner forced to determine the building's future last year.
Heritage New Zealand did not oppose demolition of the former hotel on State Highway 1 and said the condition of the building meant it could not be retained and reused.
This week, contractors have been working tirelessly to bring it down.
"I think it just does it to test you," Edministin laughed.
He thanked his committee who kept the ship going in the meantime.
Karen Witham from the region's development group, Great South, said locals are excited to see the major tourist drawcard back.
"Congratulations for them for taking the battles and working towards bringing our community event alive again for visitors and locals to attend."
It's a major part of Southland's social calendar.
More than 4000 people attend and it brings in around $4 million.
Some of the old hotel will likely be salvaged for a new entrance way into the oyster festival but that will no be completed until next year.
Edministin is confident it will all go to plan this year.
"We've got to make it happen, we'll make it happen."
Bluffies hoping for their big day to go ahead once again in the very near future.
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