Where: Karaka Sports Complex. Cnr of Linwood and Blackbridge Rds, Karaka.
When: Sunday March 28th 2010.
Start: 9.30am (for general viewing)
Entry: Family $20.00. Adults $10.00. Children 6~15 years $2.00. Under 5 Free (Display vehicles and drivers free entry)
(Click on the poster for the full page display.)
With a new year upon us there also starts the new round of events to attend. Whether they be family, work, sports or hobby events some are necessary (although not enjoyable) some we have to attend (family springs to mind) and then there are the ones that we really look forward to because we know that we will have a good time. One such event is the Karaka Vintage Day. Organised by the Karaka Historical Society in association with the Vintage Engine Restorers, Auckland (VERA) this will be the 6th and as it is held only every 2nd year it is something well worth attending.
Items on display outdoors will range from stationary engines, steam traction engines (my favourite), vintage tractors, cars, military vehicles (and hopefully the WW2 Stuart tank), motorcycles, through to vintage tools. Food and drink stalls will be present as will a pipe band display and the Sunshine Coast Jazz Band. The Karaka Historical Society will also have a couple of rooms open in the War Memorial Hall next door with early items on display. Generally something for everyone.
This year Masport have come on board as one of the major sponsors as they are celebrating 100 years in business and will have a display of interesting machinery that they have made over that period, ranging from milking machines to lawnmowers. Should be quite interesting especially as I doubt any household in New Zealand would not have had at least one of Masports lawnmowers in the garden shed.
Naturally Barnstormers likes to support these types of events and so will be having a small arrangement of pre 1945 motorcycles on display. We invite owners of girder fork machines who are keen to display their bikes to pitch their deck chairs next to ours and chew the fat. If you would like to be involved email us at barnstormers@barnstormers.co.nz so we can get an idea of display space required. The sooner the better. Motorcycles on display will need to be there around 8.30 and the organisers would like them to stay to 4pm (approx). And who knows, Knobsta might share his sarnies wiv us eh!
The enthusiasm of these restorers is clearly evident in their displays of old things mechanical and has to be seen to be believed. Besides being entertaining they can also be very educational (especially for those under 40) as to how grandma and grandad (and great grandma and great grandad) survived, so to miss this event would truly be a shame. Best you pack a picnic lunch, picnic blanket, your sunnies, hat and sunscreen (it will be fine) and head on out for a memorable day. I can highly recommend it as I have been previously.
To get to the Karaka Sports Complex exit the southern motorway at Papakura and head towards Karaka (south bound travellers turn right from the off ramp, north bound travellers turn left). The Sports Complex is approx 4km along this road. For those of you who are directionally challenged click here for a map.
For some interesting photos of the last vintage day held in 2008 click here.
We hope to see some of you there.
Cheers, McSnotty.