The Cromwell Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival will be held at the Alpha St Recreation Ground today..
The festival, which has been running for over 30 years, is organised and hosted by the Southland Ford Falcon Club.
Life member and past president Greg Millane said the event's popularity prompted the decision to cap the number of vehicles on display at 900 and not allow vehicle registrations today.
The changes had been introduced because the show had been consistently growing year-on-year, Mr Millane said.
The alternative was the event being moved from Alpha St.
"We want to keep it in town because we have 2000 people walk in through the gates to have a look at the cars and if we moved it out of town we wouldn’t get that level of response."
The longevity of the show was what attracted people far and wide, with people coming from as far as Auckland to display vehicles, Mr Millane said.
"In terms of car shows and in the car community it’s a well-regarded show."
Mr Millane said the event was massively supported by the local community, with more than 60 businesses, 40 of them local, donating spot prizes for the event.
The festival spans the weekend with local car club Alpine Street Machine holding a cruise last night.
There is also a swap meet tomorrow for car enthusiasts — an opportunity to swap and sell rare parts.
There will be no bar at this year’s festival, following anti-social behaviour by intoxicated people at last year’s event.
Tickets are $5 and for under-12s, entrance is free.
