Gerringong Lions Motor Fest returns

Fires, floods and COVID may have cancelled their Motor Fest since 2019, but this year, Gerringong Lions Club is back with one of the largest motor shows on the South Coast.

Organisers expect to see more than 300 classic, vintage, sports cars and hot rods line up on the Mick Cronin Oval on Saturday February 18, the same day as the next Gerringong Markets.

“We have a fantastic, eclectic mix,” says Keith Watson, one of the Lions Club car show committee members.

“The Motor Life Museum from Dapto are coming and bringing about 12 to 15 cars which will include a 1925 Alvis and a 1911 Cadillac.

“A bunch of Bristols are coming from Sydney, some Jaguars and about 20 hot rods, plus a McLaren 720S –there can’t be more than five of these in Australia.”

The Illawarra Early Holden Club is expected to bring about 16 cars; there are seven Toranas coming from Canberra; and around 22 will be there from the Pontiac Car Club, north of Sydney.

“Many of the owners come for the weekend so are bringing quite an investment into the town,” says Keith.

“We reckon we bring in an extra couple of thousand of people who will spend money in all the shops.”

There is even one group (with some Italian cars) just coming as visitors, says Keith, so they will get space on the hockey field so others

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can check out their cars.

“They couldn’t get here by 7am, which is what we require, so they are coming later. They will all pay $50 a head anyway, as it goes to cancer research.”

Keith says that this mix of cars is what makes it attractive to many car enthusiasts, as many car shows only display one marque (brand).

“We have an assurance that a Highway Patrol car will come too,” says Dave Peade.

“This always attracts such a lot of interest. The bloke that came last time was very generous with his time. He’s a magnet, especially for kids, but adults want to see what’s under the hood and inside the car, too.”

The RFS will also turn up with a truck – depending on whether they have been called out.

There are four trophies to be awarded, with everyone who enters the show gets a vote. The trophies are handmade in wood by Lions Club member Barry Smithers.

Gerringong Lions started Motor Fest in 2016 and raised over $6,000 for a local child with cancer. In 2019, they raised $8,000 for men’s prostrate cancer.

This year the funds go to the Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation.

On another fundraising front, Gerringong Lions also runs a very successful Return and Earn scheme, where all funds go to charity. To donate bottles marked with a 10c refund, contact Bruce Ray on 0429 027 631. He will organise pickups from private homes or businesses and will supply crates if needed.

Saturday 18 February, 9-3pm, Michael Cronin Oval, Blackwood Street, Gerringong. Entry fee $5 adult, children under 12 free. Cash or Eftpos. A wristband means you can come and go.

News team: Cathy Law, Editor 0412 415 101 news@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Perrie Croshaw 0411 700 253 perrie@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Cassandra Zaucer 0491 686 975 cassandra@thebuglenewspaper.com.au

Advertising: Emma Bushby 0491 679 128 emma@thebuglenewspaper.com.au or contact us at PO Box 304, Gerringong 2534