Vintage cars congregate in historic town

These vintage cars were parked under trees to protect them against persistent rain during the...
These vintage cars were parked under trees to protect them against persistent rain during the second annual Naseby Car Show on Saturday. Photo by Rosie Manins.
Despite persistent rain, about 3000 people from throughout Otago flocked to the second annual Naseby Car Show on Saturday.

Organiser Winton Amies said the weather did not deter car enthusiasts from turning out in force to display their prized vehicles.

"Everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we were very pleased with how everything went. We had close to 3000 people, well over 300 vehicles, and about 100 stalls, so I was thrilled," he said.

Mr Amies, who owns the Naseby Motoring Museum, initiated the inaugural rally last year.

That attracted thousands of people.

Saturday's event brought his dream "to light", Mr Amies said.

"When I first came here 16 years ago, I always imagined seeing the domain filled with cars, stalls, and people, so seeing it like that was amazing. It's the atmosphere we do it for - the thing that's most rewarding is seeing people enjoy it and watching their happy faces," he said.

Having gained momentum, the show would continue to be run annually the weekend before Labour Weekend, he said.

"Being in a historic town seemed to really make it magic for the people with cars and stalls.

"We got a lot of comments about what a great place Naseby was to have the show, and I don't think I could stop it now if I wanted to," he said.

Some sections of Naseby's main streets were closed to traffic to host the event.

The town's domain accommodated food stalls, entertainment, and swap-meet stalls, as well as car-boot sales.

Mr Amies said the crowd was well behaved and tidy - using rubbish bins and respecting the town.

"The casualness of the event is popular with people, and we deliberately organise it so there is something for everyone, from boy racers to older classic car enthusiasts," he said.

Various motorcycles and old tractors were also on show, and police and firefighters provided a demonstration for crowds just before midday.

There was no formal competition during the event, which went from 9am to 5pm.

Proceeds from the show will go to local charities.

rosie.manins@odt.co.nz

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