Just over 100 utes and SUVs of all shades, ages and stages parked up in the Southern Field Days shed in Waimumu, near Gore, for the event in which each of the 104 vehicles could enter up to two of 13 categories.
Categories included Best Turned Out and Best SUV alongside more unique ones such as Best Dog in a Ute, Best Mullet, Best Decorated Ute, and for the first time this year, Best Girls’ Ute or SUV.
GWD motorgroup marketing manager Hamish Tomkin, said the competition highlighted working utes, which were not typically given attention at other car shows.
“That’s what they’re made for,” he said.
Four judges made the calls, Geoff Ellenden from GWD Motors Gore, a representative from the Southern Trailblazers four-wheel-drive club, panelbeater Paul Herron and festival chairman Jeff Rea.
Four males took part in the mullet competition.
“I know if you’ve got a mullet you’re not one for the spotlight,” emcee Laura Douglas said.
The event then convoyed to The Croydon Lodge for music from Australian bluegrass band The Rusty Pickups.
There the prizegiving was held. One make was head and shoulders above the rest.
Hiluxes took the gold medal for Ute with Most Kilometres, Best Dog in a Ute, Best Rural Ute, Best Trade Ute and Best Girls’ Ute.
Georgia Jones, 20, of Gore won the maiden category and said the Hilux brand was as reliable as ever.
The People’s Choice Overall Winner went to yet another Hilux, owned by Cooper McDowall, 15, of Winton.
