It’s full speed ahead for classic car show
Covid-19 concerns kicked Paeroa’s classic car show to the kerb last month but it’s back on the calendar, next weekend. The new date for Rotary Paeroa Vintage and Classic Car Show and Swap Meet (VCC) is on Halloween — October 31.
VCC was meant to run in September but with Auckland in lockdown, Rotary Paeroa organisers decided to postpone.
But this won’t be a watered-down version, says Paeroa Rotary president Aloma Parker.
For one thing, there’s a change of venue to accommodate more vehicles (the Railway Reserve on the main street of Paeroa opposite the Caltex Service Station).
“It definitely won’t be low-key. We’ve got more room and we can go bigger and better. We’ve got everything in one space so it will be easier to move from the show cars to the swap meet. We’ve invited local firms to set up market stalls along the main street, and schoolchildren have been invited to compete for prizes for vintage dress-ups.”
Aloma says they have previously held the show in Wharf St and Williams St which has worked well being right in the centre of town but they are starting to outgrow it.
“This year with uncertainty about lockdown status we needed a space that we could organise quickly without having to go through the process of getting road closure.
“The Railway Reserve is a wonderful big green space that will make a great backdrop for the cars. There’s a children’s playground and plenty of trees for shade. And if you’re coming into town from the north, you can’t miss seeing it.”
Drawcards include the Bonneville Band playing live music, stalls selling car-related items, competitions and prizes.
“We want the whole town to join in, with market stalls along the street and shop-keepers dressing in vintage style.”
People can vote for their favourite car and the winner will be announced at 1pm. The best-dressed boy and girl will be judged at 12.30pm.
Cars will set off on a mystery ramble at 2pm and arrive back at Paeroa RSA about 4pm. Paeroa Lions Club cap off the day with a Halloween-themed fireworks display.
Rotary Paeroa Vintage and Classic Car Show and Swap Meet is at Railway Reserve, October 31. The swap meet will start at 8am, entry to the show from 9am. Goldcoin donation for entry. Proceeds go back to the Paeroa community.