The annual Kaikoura Hop returned with a colourful bang after two years of COVID restrictions hampered the event.
Founder Doug O’Callahan said it had been a busy few days.
He praised his wife Fonz and all the Kaikoura and Christchurch people who had stepped up at the last minute to take over the reins of the show when he suffered heart problems.
‘‘This year due to my surgery, my wife and my daughter plus Elaine and Hunter Clark and many others kindly stepped up and took over many of my roles.
‘‘This great event couldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for them,’’ he said.
Now in its 12th year, the biggest part of the four day long hop, the Car Show Extravaganza, was held in its traditional venue at the Kaikoura race course.
Doug says that once again the show attracted about 1000 car entries and over 5000 spectators. ‘‘Many more always come up on day trips from north and south, especially when the weather was fine like it was on Saturday. ‘‘Doug says it was a very successful event despite the tough economic times. ‘‘Everyone who came, and they came from as far as Whangarei and Invercargill, said they had, had a great time. ‘‘We put a lot on for them including poker runs, a drive in movie, pin up contests, skate contest, burn out contests, many scenic runs around the district, a giant party, and my favourite was the cruise to Rodin Cars at Mount Lyford.’’ Doug says it was an amazing drive out to the race car builders private track and factory in North Canterbury. ‘‘We were so grateful to the team there letting us look around the place.’’ As the theme was ‘Happy Days” many of the women attending dressed for the occasion as did a few men. ‘‘Every one is looking forward to next years event,’’ says Doug.
