Wizards on Wheels show in East London
SATURDAY September 30 will see the 13th annual Wizards on Wheels show taking place at East London’s Port Rex School.
The event was founded in 2004 by previous Border Street Rod Classic and V8 Club chairman Johan Hattingh and his wife, Joyce, who saw the need for an event where the city’s car clubs and petrol heads could all get together and show off their vehicles.
Organiser Leslie Thomas said compared to other car shows he had attended around the country, Wizard on Wheels was up there with the best.
“A lot of preparation and organisation goes into putting it together, and we try and cater for the whole family with the inclusion of food stalls, entertainment for the children and the mini flea market.
“The revamped fathers’ and old boys’ club, now renamed ‘The Tool Shed’, will be open for the thirsty and those wanting to follow sport on the big screen.
“There will also be the usual after-show braai. Braai packs will be on sale and it’s open to anyone who would like to join us.”
Exhibitors need not belong to motoring clubs as the show is open to any interesting vehicle, whether a car, a bike or anything considered special and worthy of being shown of.
Thomas said the show’s slogan was ‘We want your car and anything extraordinary on wheels’.
Even if it was still a work in progress and owners were able to get it to the show, they were welcome, Thomas said.
“A lot of interest has already been shown by the various motorsport clubs, with a number of karts, racing cars, bikes, stock cars, drift cars and 4 x 4s to be displayed this year.”
The public can expect a top-class show of vehicles, ranging from vintage to modern, from classic to exotic and everything in between.
Exhibitors have the opportunity to display their vehicles to the public, and meet and chat with fellow exhibitors about their pride and joy.
“The show is all about showing off your vehicle and attracting the attention it deserves. We all know the amount of work that goes into keeping our vehicles in pristine condition,” Thomas said.
There is still space for various stalls including food, crafts, and flea market and commercial goods, whether it be dinky toys, clothing, car parts, sweets and treats or whatever else. The cost per stand is R100.
A large number of vehicles is also expected from Port Elizabeth, with the East Cape Street Rod Club giving its full support.
There will also be vehicles from Queenstown, Bloemfontein and other centres.
Exhibitors have free entry for a driver and one passenger.
The cost per spectator is R30 for adults and R10 for scholars. For a nominal fee of R5 there will be safe and secure on-site public parking.
Gates will be open from 7am for exhibitors, who must be parked and set up by no later than 9am. Gates open to spectators at 10am.
Anyone interested in displaying vehicles can contact Vaughn Smith on 082-345-8086 or Leslie Thomas at e-mail: lesliet@telkomsa.net or 083-412-8138. New car dealers are also welcome. Contact Barry Gradwell on 083-518-9600 to find out more.
For stall bookings, contact Heather Bridger on 076-144-8376 or (043) 736-2698.