Car enthusiasts have a chrome filled weekend to look forward to in Central, as several events celebrating vintage and hot rod cars are on in Cromwell.

Alpha St Reserve is the site of the Cromwell Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival on Saturday, which will run from 11am to 4pm. 

The festival is organised by the Southland Ford Falcon Club (SFFC) and participation in the show is limited to 900 vehicles. 

This year, for the first time in its more than 30 year history, vehicles cannot be registered on the day of the show and there is no bar on site. 

SFFC past president, life member and Cromwell resident Greg Millane said about 700 cars would be exhibited this year.

“It’s a good number of cars. There will be no issue getting parked. The show has been so successful and the numbers [are] growing so much we’ve had to cap registrations. 

“Cars come from all over the South Island. Last year we had a car from the top of the North Island [attend].”

Greg said they expected 2000 people to go through the gate and he knew visitors coming from as far away as Auckland for the event. 

“We’re grateful to have been supported by 40 local business sponsors and they’ve provided merchandise to give away as spot prizes.” 

Work on the annual event started in May 2023 and many SFFC members are involved in logistics and event management.

“Fifteen of us are setting up on Friday and then there are another 25 at the event during the day. It’s all volunteers.”

Greg has been involved for the past 14 years and said the day has a cool vibe and amazing vehicles.

“You’ll see a vehicle you had as a teenager, or something from your childhood . . . something you can relate to and that’s always special.”

Trophies will be awarded at prize giving from 3pm to 4pm for the top 10 cars, top three bikes, people’s choice and judge’s choice. Admission for adults is $5, children under 12 are free and no dogs are permitted. 

On Friday night there is a cruise for charity to Bannockburn and back, and the money raised from the $5 entry fee per car will go to Otago Community Hospice.

Last year's cruise attracted 350 cars and numbers look similar this year, according to spokesperson Steve Swift. The meeting time is from 5pm to 5.30pm and the cruise leaves at 7pm. 

The route map for the cruise for charity. PHOTO: Supplied 

The Central Otago Vintage Car Club (COVCC) combined with Alpine Street Machines will also host a swap meet on Sunday at the clubrooms on Litany St.

Steve said it was a popular event with all sorts of items available, including memorabilia, unusual items, vehicles, tools, machinery, classic car, hot rod and motorcycle parts as well.

“It's $5 for the swap meet, but that money is to cover costs, it’s not a profit making thing. We’ll also have coffee, tea and food available, there’s plenty of parking too.”

Steve said last year when he attended he was blown away by the diverse nature of the parts and treasures.

“I thought ‘wow’ this is like heaven when I saw all that was there. It’s always great to have a wander around and check everything out.”

Steve said the swap meet starts at 9am, but if you have parts you want to include you need to be there at 7am.