Rock n’ hop fever consumes town
Rock and roll fever has hit with thousands descending on Timaru for the third annual rock and rollthemed fundraiser.
The Caroline Bay Rock and Hop, the largest festival of its kind in the South Island, began yesterday with 300-400 vehicles leaving the Bay at 11am for a cruise to Geraldine.
Hospice South Canterbury fundraiser Jeanna Munro said the weekend was shaping up to be ‘‘bigger and better’’ than ever.
‘‘We’re confident with the weather and will have sunscreen down at the Bay,’’ she said.
‘‘There’s no wind forecast so that’s great too.’’
One thousand vehicles are registered for the three-day event which includes yesterday’s cruises, a gala day at the Bay today and dances and other events throughout the day, and a breakfast in the Caroline Bay Hall tomorrow.
Last year’s fundraiser raised $75,000 for Hospice South Canterbury, and saw 932 vehicle registrations and thousands of people descend on Caroline Bay for three days of cruisin’ cars, rock and roll, and fashion competitions.
The inaugural event in 2017 raised $40,000.
Munro said it had been encouraging to hear from those beginning to arrive in town yesterday that the town has been ‘‘very welcoming’’ to them.
‘‘It’s so nice to hear how much people love Timaru.
‘‘It makes everything worthwhile that they love it here and that everyone has been so welcoming,’’ she said.
Hundreds of vehicles took part in last night’s main street cruise through Stafford St, beginning at 6pm. The cruise then travelled to Pleasant Point and then on to Temuka where a street party took place.
The Wearable Parts Party was also held last night.
Munro said it was important as many South Canterbury people as possible head along to Caroline Bay today to take part in the gala day at Caroline Bay from 10am.
More than 100 stalls, including food, will be at the free Bay event as well as vehicle displays, competitions and other activities.
‘‘The gala day is the colour and flavour of the whole Rock and Hop,’’ Munro said.
‘‘There will be plenty of competitions there that will suit the whole family. It’s a great day out,’’ she said.