A convoy of 140 massive machines from carrying companies and businesses from all around Southland, carrying everything from concrete, tractors, tree trunks, power poles, cranes, cars and even other trucks, made their way down Bond St and along Tweed St blaring their horns at the milling crowd.
Parade organiser Mark Purdue said drivers took a lot of pride in their machines and would often spend hours grooming them before the parade, which was held on Sunday.
The parade was traditionally well supported by the public who turned out in their droves to line the streets, he said.
One-hundred-and-fifteen rigs were entered in the King Rig competition.
Mr Purdue said before the parade, drivers took the Big Rig so seriously, often their entire family would be roped in to help with the zealous preening and polishing regime, turning their workhorse into an enviable mighty machine.
Reagan Brown, of King House Removals, earned this year’s King Rig title and bragging rights for the next 12 months, while Hayden Campbell, of R & H Transport/Mainfreight, was runner-up.
Eden Haulage won four awards on the day — Best Fleet of 3 or more vehicles, Best Paint Job, Best DAF and Best Kenworth.
- By Toni McDonald
