Time to get revved for Americarna
It’s time for South Taranakians to get revved up because Americarna is fast approaching.
The annual event has reached its 10th anniversary and the word is ‘‘it’s going to be huge’’.
South Taranaki District Council events co-ordinator Jody Bloor said preparations to welcome visitors were well under way and there was an expectation of around 800 cars this year.
This year sees the return of Opunake Beach to the itinerary, with the cars visiting the area on Wednesday, February 22, arriving at midday and departing at 2.30pm.
‘‘The day trip to Opunake gives the drivers a chance to enjoy the beach, take a look at the local shops and get some lunch from either one of the foodstalls at the beach or from a cafe´ uptown,’’ Bloor said.
Beach Road will be closed to public vehicles so it is recommended that people wanting to view the cars park on a side street and walk down to the beach.
Bloor said the Opunake Business Association was really getting behind the event.
‘‘The town will be buzzing with live music, a market day, activities, plus lots of delicious food,’’ she said.
On Friday, February 24 the cars will be heading to Hawera from 1.15pm to 4.45pm. They will be stopping in Stratford and then, driving via Kaponga and Manaia, along SH45 into Hawera where they will spend the afternoon before returning to New Plymouth.
In Hawera’s CBD there will be music by the popular duo Glorybox and Friends and a market day with the local businesses entering in a window dressing competition.
The AmeriCARna vehicles in Hawera will be parked on High St (from Argyle St to Caledonia St) and in the Community Centre carpark. Albion St (from High St to Erin St) will also be closed for the extremely popular Repco GoStop Drags.
‘‘With all these cars in town parking will be at a premium so it’ll be a good idea to car pool or to walk to work on that day,’’ Bloor said.
The Go-Stop Drags was the crowd favourite last year and is also very competitive.
The drag event involves competitors charging off from the start line and heading for a set of cones at the other end of the straight. When they reach the other end they have to come to a complete stop inside the cones the competitor that completes this task in the fastest time is the winner.
Bloor wanted to remind motorists to be extra vigilant during the celebration, as well as enjoy their day out.
‘‘We’re really excited to have Americarna visit South Taranaki again. The community and businesses always get behind this event and make it a really successful and entertaining day,’’ she said.
The vehicles will be in Inglewood on Thursday, February 23 and in New Plymouth for the big Americarnival festival on Saturday, February 25.