Contestants front up in their best vintage costumes at the 2020 Caboodle in Whanganui. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Whanganui's biggest party is now less than a week away and organisers say that Bayleys Whanganui Vintage Weekend will be bigger and brighter than ever this year, writes Liz Wylie.
The streets, river and skies will be alive with the sights and sounds of decades past as Whanganui welcomes a stunning array of machines, performers and costumes that celebrate the city's exciting past for the three-day weekend.
Vintage Weekend event manager Heather Cox says bookings have been coming in from around the country.
"We have a large tour group from Christchurch coming and we are likely to see a lot more out-of-town visitors this year.
"The new-look brochures are out around town but I would advise everyone to regularly check the website for updates and new additions."
Cox says there will be plenty happening for aviation enthusiasts this year as the Air Chathams 1945 Douglas DC-3 will be offering scenic flights on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
"On Sunday, the Whanganui Aero Club has an open day and the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy is offering behind the scenes tours which are both free.
"Mid West Helicopters will be providing scenic flights as well so there will be plenty to do at the airport."
Cox says she welcomes the return of the Soap Box Derby to Drews Ave on Monday, January 25 this year thanks to Plumber Dan (Daniel Goldsworthy) who is sponsoring the event.
"To have Bayleys come on board as the principal sponsor this year and Dan sponsoring the derby makes the weekend better than ever."
"Oceanview Speedway is offering vintage stockcar racing on Sunday night which will be a great family event and on the river, there will be jet boat tours as well as the riverboat cruises with the Billy Webb Challenge and the Riverside Shindig on Sunday morning so there is certainly something to suit all vintage tastes."
Mainstreet Caboodle organisers Kelly Scarrow and Geoff Follet say Victoria Ave will be livelier than ever on Saturday, January 23 and there are 14 hours of entertainment and events lined up.
"The Doffing Dinner requires the wearing of hats for 'doffing' while taking a stroll through the historic town centre," Scarrow said.
"Our local historian Kyle Dalton will be leading the diners as they learn about our heritage while enjoying a three-course dinner at some of our splendid eateries."
This year there will be three stages with live entertainment provided by Whanganui's local talent.
"The main stage is moving further down Victoria Ave nearer Taupo Quay this year and there will be The Rutland Stage in Ridgway St," Follet said.
"And there will be some great music to dance to."
New to the Majestic Square stage this year will be The Wanganui Highland Pipe Band and a special treat for vintage car enthusiasts when a Model T Ford will be dismantled and reassembled at midday.
New Zealand's purveyors of fine vintage fashion The Metropolitan Club will be back to run the costume competition named Carnival of Costume this year.
Director Rose Jackson says there will be great prizes on offer and seven new categories this year.
"The outfits that took to the stage in 2020 were outstanding and we look forward to seeing what entrants will bring this year.
"Judges include Whanganui-born fashion designer Project Runway NZ finalist Kerry Trent Ranginui and Miss World NZ judge Fiona Tarlton.'
Retro Radios of Dannevirke will be back with a stall this year and there will be opportunities to buy treasures at the Vintage Fair on the Avenue as well as guest stalls at the Retro Market held in conjunction with the River Traders Market on Saturday.
Visitors can capture vintage moments with special sittings by Poihakena Portraits which will have a pop-up studio at the Caboodle.
As always, there will be a stunning array of vintage and classic vehicles lined up along the avenue before they head off for the Classic Cruise around Whanganui followed by the Burma Rally on Sunday and Bruce's Anniversary Day Run on Monday.
Bayleys Whanganui Vintage Weekend 2021 will commence with The Vintage Social beginning at 7pm at Porridge Watson on Friday, January 22.
To see all the schedule of all the weekend's events visit whanganuivintageweekend.nz
