Truck parade ‘amazing’

The McDonough Contracting Gore Truck Show brought out a big-time array of quality trucking and the convener called it one of the most competitive events she has seen so far.

On Saturday in Gore, 81 trucks parked up at the Transport Repairs yard for people to come and have a gaze, and for the trucks to be judged.

Families came out and wandered around trucks of all shapes, sizes, and purposes, all polished up and looking their best.

At 2pm, it was packed out on Main St in Gore as the parade began and all 81 trucks hit the road.

People watched from the sides of roads and atop cars and trucks as the convoy rolled past, before the truckers headed to the Croydon Lodge for a prizegiving and dinner.

The coveted ‘‘King Rig’’ — or best in show — went to Wilkins Farming’s Hamish Boyte, and convener Rhonda Wilson said it was one of the toughest years yet.

‘‘It was a pretty high standard, some of them got some really good scoring. We normally score out of 140 and this year, there were quite a few over 100, which doesn’t happen often.

‘‘Some of these guys have a lot of pride in their trucks and keep them pretty up there all the time. It takes effort,’’ she said.

Mrs Wilson called the parade ‘‘amazing’’ and said it was no wonder the truck show celebrated its 46th anniversary with such a warm welcome.

‘‘People were waving, horns were tooting, the kids were so excited. It was just unbelievable. I haven’t seen that part in a long time, but I got in a truck and went out and saw it again,’’ she said, laughing.

It was about the shiny rigs, the good times, the new technology, and Mrs Wilson said to look out for even more, as the truck show heads to its 50th anniversary.

gerrit.doppenberg@alliedmedia.co.nz