Just when you thought we had sneaked over the finish line, ready for a breather, there comes on the horizon another major event.
Not one, more a trifecta as first the general election then no doubt Christmas will take over the thoughts of the people of Wanganui. Putting aside theobvious distraction of a New Year for those who are inclined to celebrate, the next major happening on the events calendar is the VCC Rally: January 16-27.
It seems as if we have barely sat down after the frenzy of seven weeks of rugby and REAL Festival events and here we go with another international event. For that is exactly what the VCC Rally is, an international event. And it is happening right here in Wanganui.
There will be media interest from around New Zealand and the world as some of the oldest and rarest vehicles still around go on show in the River City. As revealed in our story today with Ed Boyd, a man who needs no introduction for his interest in heritage matters, the rally has attracted close to 650 entries. Nearly 150 are from overseas, including the guest of honour, Nick Mason, a prominent figure in motoring circles who is perhaps best known generally for his role in Pink Floyd.
In various meetings with the organisers of this event it is clear they are passionate and well-organised so we can be assured of a fine event.
Our challenge will be to capitalise on that in the best way we can to build further on the international and national profile gained through the course of the REAL Festival and rugby tournament. We wooed the Eagles and their supporters, among others, and the impact of positive feedback like that offered in today's letter from Barrie Rafferty is hard to quantify.
If the VCC Rally is worth $12 million to the city, the city is set to reap the rewards for a good spell afterwards but only if we can show the unity that was evident in the past two months.
