FAST CARS, SLOW FOOD
Big Boys Toys turns 20 this year — old enough to be buying toys for its own kids. The Driven Hall aims to be the country’s premier automotive showcase, and the lineup this year ranges from cars and motorbikes you can drive home to those you can only dream of owning. Drawcards include the 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast and 2018 Ford GT.
Expect the electric vehicle revolution to have an increased presence at the show. Visitors to Electric Avenue will have the chance to test-drive electric cars and e-bikes, and check out e-scooters.
The ‘Mirthmobile’ from cult 1990s movie Wayne’s World will also make an appearance at the show. Big Boys Toys is not all about cars, though. One of the fastest-growing leisure interests around the world is American-style ‘low and slow’ barbecuing, making big black steel smokers the stocking filler of choice this Christmas. The ‘sport’ now has nationwide television coverage in the US. Naming rights sponsor of the US’s world championship, Jack Daniel’s, is sponsoring the first Kiwi competition at Big Boys Toys. Thirty teams from Australasia will rub, char, grill, baste, and smoke in BBQ Alley for more than $10,000 in prizes. They will compete in five categories — beef, lamb, chicken, pork, and pork ribs — for the title of grand champion. Show visitors will get the chance to taste their wares.
Other toys on show in the six halls will include marine, home electronics products, and a plethora of head-turning gear under the general heading of lifestyle.
The Mammoth Action Arena will feature an actionpacked extreme sports show over the three days but, sadly, no mammoths. World BMX superstar Jed Mildon will get tricky with an 8m high ramp, while cars will be dropped more than 70m in the TCNZ Car Drops.
Other competitions will include the first running of the Combative Robotics National Champs, the Auckland Strongman Series, the Medieval Fighting National Champs, and the Auckland Excavator Operator Champs.
Early bird discounts for the show, which runs November 16–18, are available at www.bigboystoys.co.nz.