The Geraldine Matariki Motor Muster is chugging back for a fourth year.
The July 10-11 event will once again raise funds to replace automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the Geraldine area.
Event co-organiser Howard Brockie said last year’s event was a ‘‘tremendous success’’.
It had raised over $6000, which went towards the replacement of AEDs for Hato Hone St John Ambulance in the Geraldine area, Mr Brockie said.
Feedback after the event indicated the local community ‘‘benefited to the tune of approximately $90,000 over the weekend’’.
The event had grown in size year on year, and over 360 vehicles descended on Kennedy Park last year.
Participants had travelled from as far as Te Anau and Invercargill in the south to Rotorua in the north to attend, many booking their accommodation for this year’s event before leaving last year’s event.
All the funds raised will be going to the local St John Ambulance, who would be manning the gates.
Funds would be used to replace other defibrillators in the Geraldine area.
Admission was by donation both for people displaying vehicles and those attending the show.
‘‘One aspect that participants like is the fact that there is no entry fee, as a lot of shows charge larger amounts for the entrants than the viewing public, but local organisers state that without the cars, we have no show so why charge them more?’’
It was only possible thanks to the help of local businesses like The Village Inn which was — once again — the main sponsor for the event, Mr Brockie said.
There were many other businesses in the town who had got behind the event and it was growing into a real community event.
The Friday afternoon cruise would start at the museum at 3pm.
Last year, 90 vehicles took part in the cruise, Mr Brockie said.
‘‘Organisers would love to see locals lining the streets to get a preview of what will be available to see on the Saturday.’’
There would be a car show in Kennedy Park on the following day between 10am and 2pm.
A range of vehicles would be on display, including hot rods, vintage cars, motorbikes, American muscle cars and some exotic sports cars.
‘‘So there will be something for everyone.’’
While there would be food and coffee carts at the park, it was only a short walk to cafes and shops in the township, he said.
This year, there would be a small number of automotivethemed stalls operating, selling man-cave items, like die-cast model cars.
The event would be held no matter what the weather had in store.
‘‘So get along and view some amazing vehicles while helping raise some money for very important local services.’’
People could vote for their favourite vehicle to help decide the winner of the people’s choice award.
The event is being held from July 10 to 11. — Allied Media
