The 10th anniversary of the Kaitangata Car Show is almost here, and the community is revving up for a massive event. A one-year hiatus due to Covid-19 has proved just how much the community has missed the annual car show, and organiser Louise McLaren-Hosking says the event is one not to be missed.
‘‘The Kaitangata Car Show was built on the foundation of being an event that raises funds for local youth-based groups and we have done that proud, spreading the love among multiple groups within the district,’’ Mrs McLaren-Hosking said.
‘‘It’s become a really well received annual event on the car show calendar open to all makes, models and bikes with a really inclusive vibe.
‘‘We cater for the whole family, which makes the whole day a lot of fun and gives it a really relaxed atmosphere.’’
The car show is held at the Kaitangata Rugby Grounds on the first Saturday of November and has hundreds of cars on show in the morning and a cruise in the afternoon.
In 2020, more than 500 cars attended, and Mrs McLaren-Hosking believes there will be close to the same number — if not more — this year.
‘‘This is our 10th year of the car show. We’re crazy excited for it. It would’ve been 11 this year if Covid hadn’t cancelled us in 2021, but strangely that has worked in our favour so we could hit the ground running when planning kicked off for this years’ event,’’ Mrs McLaren-Hosking said.
The organising committee of around 10 keen petrol heads and car fanatics has endless support and help from the community and Mrs McLaren-Hosking said it ‘‘wouldn’t be able to do it without them’’.
‘‘The community are everything. Between Kaitangata, the Clutha district and further afield have absolutely stunned us with their support.
‘‘The businesses who sponsor us are the ones who make this event.
‘‘Quite simply we would not be here without them and their support means everything to us.
‘‘Everyone that attends on the day, from the stallholders to the entrants, the people who volunteer their time and the public that come through the gate, they have all been amazing — we couldn’t thank everyone enough.’’
She said the team was feeling refreshed after the ‘‘devastating’’ cancellation last year and this year would be extremely special.
‘‘It’s amazing that we have created something so positive for Kaitangata that has attracted so much interest from so many walks of life, and from that we can give back so much to the community through so many avenues. Running a successful event is what we strive for and we aim to pull that off again this year.’’
Various stalls, food trucks, coffee, ice cream, kids entertainment and a barbecue raising money for the BMX Club will be present at the event, along with raffles and, of course, the cars.
