Franklin car enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with two events this April.
The Franklin Hop returns to the Clarks Beach Reserve on Sunday, April 6.
The Franklin Hop, Classic Car and Hotrod Show was established in 2014 to raise funds to
support local youth and the Waiau Pa and Clarks Beach communities. Money raised from the annual event is distributed amongst local non-profit groups involving children, to assist with their running costs, special equipment and to help with maintenance or upgrades of their buildings and structures.
More than just a car show, the event will feature a range of stalls and entertainment along
with the Miss Retro Vintage and Miss Junior Retro Vintage competitions.
The event began in 2014, launched by Sally Wedzinga from the Village Hair Salon. The
event, run by the Waiau Pa School PTA, was a roaring success, bringing together car
enthusiasts, families, and friends to celebrate classic cars and hot rods.
Meanwhile, the Steel n Wheels Festival takes to the main streets of Waiuku the following
weekend, on April 13.
Waiuku Town Centre Manager Vanessa Newman said the event started in 2011, and 14 years later, the event is still well attended by tens of thousands, and the feedback is wonderful.
“People travel from all over Franklin, Auckland, the Waikato and further, to be part of the
event and to exhibit their precious cars, trucks, tractors, bikes and assorted machines.”
The main attractions this year include the Jet Car and Jet Dragster fire ups– FMX NZ Bikes
Display (motorbike stunt riders), along with more live bands throughout the event. Both the pistol club guns and military vehicle displays will also expand this year.
“The community and visitors love this event because it’s unique to Waiuku, and no one else
has an event like this one because it’s not just classic or vintage cars; it’s a festival with
something for everyone, a huge market and family entertainment.”
Last year, there were about 200 display vehicles, attracting 15,000 people.
She said organisers hoped to continue bringing the event to Waiuku despite challenges with the current economic climate and funding availability for community events.
