Mopars in Cromwell

Words and photos:

MQuinton Taylor

opar enthusiasts came from as far away as Kumeu, Auckland in the north and Invercargill in the south for the great Labour weekend annual gathering in Cromwell, Central Otago.

Among the 158 vehicles attending, Mark Coleman’s rare 1960 Chrysler 300 scored the longest distance title after he travelled down from Kumeu to join in a great weekend of celebrating all things Mopar.

Revolving around a loose collection of enthusiasts who ‘meet’ regularly on Facebook, The Mopars of the South event attracted 409 registrations, with fun social activities centred on the Golden Gate Lodge in Cromwell.

The register’s administrator, John Kerse, of Nelson, was pleased with the turnout and variety, with the usual high number of Chrysler Valiant models. Some rare models turned up as well, such as Adrian Crequer’s distinctively styled 1962 Chrysler Valiant, down from Christchurch.

Friday night saw registrations for the weekend at the Golden Gate Lodge, and a chance to catch up with old friends and buy memorabilia from the weekend.

On Saturday morning it was time for the Poker Run, heading out for various destinations on a 225km circuit taking in Ophir, Ida Valley, Oturehua, Wedderburn, Ranfurly, and Omakau, and returning to Cromwell for the Saturday evening meet and greet and a meal.

Sunday was a big day, with an early morning cruise, before attendees headed back to the Golden Gate Lodge front lawn for the Show ’n’ Shine.

The organizers were thrilled with the great turnout of Mopars from midday to 1.30pm, which attracted a lot of interested admirers.

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Someone was even cheeky enough to park a Ford Thunderbird among the Mopars!

There was no need to ask folk to leave a second time, as participants departed at 1.30pm for the eagerly awaited chance to cruise the Highland Motorsport Park track and enjoy the activities. Judging from the posts on Facebook, it was a big hit for the weekend.

Sunday evening was the time for prize-giving and speeches, followed by a meal, with the event concluding on Monday morning. It was a weekend of great weather, fantastic scenery, and good memories.

It is the turn of Christchurch Mopars to host at Labour weekend in 2017.