 
Te Aroha News
14 October 2009
They're in Heaven
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| BLESSED: Central Te Aroha was alive with vehicles and visitors. |
Te Aroha was petrolhead heaven thanks to the weather gods last weekend.
The Auto One Aroha Cruise-In escaped the cold and wet, with the public coming out in their hundreds on Saturday to check out close to 500 vehicles in the central business district.
"We were so blessed," said organizing committee spokesman Greg Marshall.
And, there could’ve been more, he said. "Wet weather elsewhere meant a lot didn't come. Those who did absolutely loved it."
A group from Kaipara Classic Car Club stayed two nights and have already booked in for next year. Entrants came from as far away as New Plymouth.
Owners of the Pheonix funny car and Tony Christensen, a double amputee and renowned public speaker who brought along his drag racer, are coming for four days in 2010 to spend time in Te Aroha. "They got such a warm reception," said fellow organizer Bill Ward.
There was a great selection of vehicles including military hardware in Rewi St and vintage vehicles in the domain. Whitaker St was lined with all sorts and a sea of onlookers. "They (the vehicles) were up to show standard," said Mr Marshall.
"It was an excellent weekend," said Mr Ward, starting with a drive-in movie at Boyd Park on Friday night organized by Stanley Avenue School PTA which attracted a very good crowd.
Speaking to the Piako Post on Monday, Mr Ward said he had received a number of calls and emails from people saying they will come back next year. "They loved Te Aroha."
-Organisers plan to have a debrief meeting in the next couple of weeks. Feedback to: greyteal@gmail.com
-More photos and competition results will be published in next week’s Piako Post.
Piako Post |
