Third Rock and Hop draws large crowd

A crowd of thousands hit Caroline Bay as the sun came out for the third annual Caroline Bay Rock and Hop gala day on Saturday.

Organisers of the rock and roll themed fundraiser are anticipating a great result as the money is added up in the coming weeks, labelling the event a huge success. Last year’s fundraiser raised $75,000 for Hospice South Canterbury, and saw 932 vehicle registrations. The inaugural event in 2017 raised $40,000.

Hospice South Canterbury general manager Peter O’Neill anticipated this year’s event would match or better last year’s figure. ‘‘It’s just great how it benefits the district as a whole,’’ O’Neill said. ‘‘Anyone we ask to help out says yes.’’

The event, the largest festival of its kind in the South Island, began on Friday with between 300-400 vehicles leaving the bay at 11am for a cruise to Geraldine.

The gala day on Saturday started out gloomily but the sun came out in the early afternoon, attracting thousands to the bay.

O’Neill said more than 900 vehicles and a selection of classic caravans were on display at the event. Each of the 1000 registered vehicles had paid a $40 registration fee while about 100 stallholders had paid a $60 site fee, all contributing to the fundraiser.

A highlight was the raffle with a $10,000 cash prize which had been made possible after Pleasant Point woman Lana Cox donated a motocross bike and gear which was sold in aid of the raffle.

O’Neill said the raffle raised $30,000. The gala included live music, fashion shows, dance, stalls and a massive display of vehicles and was followed by dances and other events around South Canterbury on Saturday evening. The event wrapped up on Sunday with breakfast in the Caroline Bay Hall. Hospice South Canterbury fundraiser Jeanna Munro said funds from the raffle would help organisers in planning for next year’s event.

‘‘I couldn’t even hazard a guess to how many people turned out on Caroline Bay on Saturday,’’ Munro said. ‘‘It would have been at least twice as many as last year.’’

Munro confirmed there would be another Caroline Bay Rock and Hop in 2020. ‘‘You get exhausted in the lead up to it as there is so much to do, it’s like riding a wave and it lifts your spirits.’’

Munro said it would be at least two weeks before a tally of the funds raised would be available.

In 2018, an Aoraki Development report provided by Infometrics found that Hospice South Canterbury’s second Caroline Bay Rock and Hop, also held in March, generated spending of $2,962,717, with an estimated $1,102,752 of this considered as extra spending in the region.

‘‘I couldn’t even hazard a guess to how many people turned out on Caroline Bay on Saturday. It would have been at least twice as many as last year.’’

Jeanna Munro

Peter O’Neill, Hospice South Canterbury general manager.

Jeremy Willis and Michelle Smith show off their dancing skills at Caroline Bay on Saturday.

The rain was not enough to keep the crowds away from the street parade through Timaru on Friday night.

Cars and market stalls filled Caroline Bay on Saturday.

Pictured, from left, are Serena Hansen, Tracey Edwards, Leona Chambers and Sarah Stevens, of Christchurch. Alan Dunn driving a Model T along Stafford St on Friday.

Cody and Abbie Cox check out a 1938 Chevrolet at Caroline Bay on Saturday.

Brent Birchall, of Waimate, checks out a short VW.

Sally Harris, left, and Natasha Pearson dressed for the occasion on Saturday.

Bev MacIver, left, and Sandy Burgess at Caroline Bay on Saturday.