Chance to ride in big rigs

Sunday's annual Rigs and Rides Plunket fundraiser will see, from left, Mike Willoughby with Braxton Willoughby, 17 months, Pumba Bryant with Rewi Bryant, 6, and Geoff McCaull with Kahlea-Grace McCaull, 2, show off their big rigs. Photo / Ben Fraser

It was supposed to have been a one-off event but Sunday will herald the fifth Rotorua Rigs and Rides charity show.

The event, at the Arawa Park Racecourse, is a chance for truck drivers to shine up their rigs and then give children - and sometimes their parents - a ride around the block.

This year, they are raising money for Plunket Rotorua.

"We first did it in 2011, it was supposed to be a one-off, fund raising for Christchurch after the earthquake," said co-organiser Geoff McCaull.

"But it proved so popular we've done it ever since. It's about kids and families. Kids love the trucks and the adults do, too. It's a good excuse for the Rotorua community to get together and have a big day out."

Mr McCaull said they were expecting trucks to travel from out of town.

"The transport industry in Rotorua is so tight - everyone knows each other. Once word gets out on the transport telegraph everyone wants to be involved. We're going to have all sorts of trucks.

"It's a long weekend so the guys get to wash their trucks on Saturday and bring them to show off on Sunday and then have a day to relax."

Last year, a truckie from Christchurch won the Show and Shine. Keep an eye out for the two convoys on Sunday ahead of the event. One will leave from Mainfreight on Biak St, the other from Vaughan Rd, both at 9.30am.

This year Mr McCaull and co-organiser Pumba Bryant have added a truck and car swap meet to the event. There will also be a DJ, face painting, sausage sizzle, bouncy castle and more.

Details

What: Rotorua Rigs and Rides.
Where: Arawa Park Racecourse.
When: Sunday 10am to 2pm.
How much: Adults $5, children free. Children's truck rides, $2 each.