Danny and Sandy, the dream ticket
After 21 years, the big question at Repco Beach Hop 21 is: Will Danny get hitched to Sandy? Cars are rumbling in for the Grease Lightning-themed celebration of 50s and 60s culture which kicked off with rock ’n’ roll at Whangamata Club on Tuesday, and the Waihi Warmup Party yesterday.
The festival continues until Sunday and includes a day in Thames today when roads will be temporarily closed.
Sandy is the name given to the baby pink 1956 Ford Thunderbird that’s going home with one lucky winner who buys a $5 programme to this year’s event.
As is the tradition, the winner can choose from the classic car that’s beautifully restored by volunteers of the Repco Beach Hop crew, a caravan similarly crafted by volunteers, a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle or $10,000 cash.
If the winner chooses to take Sandy home, the next question is whether they bid at auction for Danny the caravan.
“We’re hoping the pair can get hitched,” says Repco Beach Hop president Noddy Watts.
Whangamata Club was transformed into Rydell High School like that seen in the 1978 American musical romantic comedy film Grease Lightning, with rock and rollers coming together to dance.
Until Tuesday volunteers were working on Danny the caravan, which comes with an American diner-style interior and Grease decals inside the door.
Noddy says this year’s hop came around fast and booked out for car entries even faster.
“Tickets went on sale on December 1 and sold out by December 2.”
There are more than 1,000 classic cars coming to this year’s 21st celebration Repco Beach Hop, which is a record.
Noddy is reminding everyone to be Covid-19 aware and safe, to stay away if they’re feeling unwell, use the NZ Covid Tracer app and practise hygiene measures.
Among those getting to celebrate are residents of the Moana House residential care home, who have been in and out of lockdown since a year ago but are getting to be part of the fun and festivities themselves this week.
They enjoyed a visit from Coastal Rockers Whangamata on Monday, who danced favourites the rockabilly stroll and rock ’n’ roll waltz.
Resident Noel Pease, who was once a musician in a band, gave the thumbs-up to the dancers, including his Coastal Rocker and former neighbour from Hawera, Heather Dansbyscott.
He and fellow residents are looking forward to watching the cars as they rumble past enroute to Thames.