Crank Up continues to be one of the biggest rural machinery shows in New Zealand, organisers say.
Convener Ken Bell said the weekend Edendale show, which was now in its 28th year, was originally a chance for Edendale Vintage Machinery Club members to get together and ''crank up'' their old machines.
''It has grown from there. There's more and more entertainment each year. There is something for everyone, from vintage machinery and traction engines to craft stalls and kids' activities,'' Mr Bell said.
The organisers had received great feedback from the public and numbers were ''slightly up'' on last year, he said.
''We put this show on for four different groups of people: the public, the exhibitors who come from a long way away to be part of the show, our loyal sponsors, and ourselves as a club. It has gone really well on all four counts.''
It was a satisfying achievement for the Crank Up committee.
''The whole committee worked really hard and should be proud of what they achieved. We are always learning from previous years and trying to improve the show.''
One of the highlights of the event was a guest appearance by retired detective inspector and former Police Ten 7 host Graham Bell, who arrived in the main ring at the Edendale Recreation Grounds by helicopter.
''He's been great and he really enjoyed it. He's a great man and I was amazed by how much he knew about mechanical things. He's been a hit with the crowd,'' Mr Bell said.
Other highlights included the fastest spanner competition and vintage shearing.
''In the fastest spanner, competitors had to strip down a Toyota engine and rebuild it to running condition.
''Some of them were doing it in about 12 minutes, which is very impressive.''
By David Beck.
