The Invercargill-based club’s flagship event again delivered strong numbers earlier this month, with more than 600 cars and motorbikes on display, some travelling from as far as Tauranga.
Southland Ford Falcon Club life member and Cromwell committee member Greg Millane said the festival was the club’s biggest event of the year and a key fundraiser, benefiting both the club and local charities.
This year, $2000 was raised for the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust.
The event had evolved significantly since its early days. Originally run by the Roxburgh Lions Club, it was later taken over by the Southland Ford Falcon Club, which began by hosting All Ford Days with just 30 vehicles.
‘‘It’s grown from those small beginnings into what it is today, and this year we had approximately 600 cars on display,’’ Mr Millane said.
Mr Millane said the club remained committed to hosting the event in Cromwell, citing the town’s central South Island location and its popularity as a summer holiday destination for Southlanders as key reasons.
‘‘For an Invercargill-based club, Cromwell works really well. It’s accessible for people coming from around the South Island, and many of our members already spend time there over summer,’’ he said.
Planning for the next event would begin within months, with a 25-strong organising team following a proven structure that included traffic management, venue bookings, and arranging facilities such as toilets and rubbish collection.
Securing sponsors and selecting a charity to receive part of the proceeds were also part of the annual planning process.
