More than 140 pre-1918 vehicles motored off from Forbes Town Hall on Monday morning for a week exploring the district.
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Forbes is hosting the National Veteran Car Club’s annual rally and they were waved off for their first day’s travel, to Parkes, by Mayor Phyllis Miller.
Some 300 visitors are based in Forbes with the rally this week and there’s plenty of opportunities for Forbes and Parkes locals to see the early cars and motorbikes.
The highlight of their local program is on Wednesday, with both a show and shine in the afternoon and a parade in the evening.
Vehicles will be on show around Town Hall from 1pm Wednesday and locals are encouraged to wander down and have a look. There are motorbikes and veteran cars, all more than 100 years old.
The spectacular continues into the evening, with the drivers encouraged to light their lanterns about 5.30pm or as it gets dark for a parade through town.
It’s a rare chance to see these vehicles with their lights, many of which run on acetylene gas, explained rally director John Burke.
The gas is produced in a canister not unlike a coffee dripper on the running board of the car.
Water drips onto carbide to produce gas, which is piped to the light on the front of the car where the motorist lights it – carefully.
Mr Burke encourages everyone to come down and enjoy the spectacle, something they do just once a year at national rally.
The CBD will host entertainment such as singers, dancers and music. Children’s activities include a jumping castle and giant games.
Local eateries will be open, and there will be a food area in Templar Street which focuses on homemade, local product and farmers market style stalls.
“We are expecting gourmet food providers such as Trang’s Vietnamese Food, Frankin Road Gourmet, Wallington Wines, Sweet Three Vintage Van, boutique beer and a barbecue provided by the Men’s Shed,” said Committee Chairman Ian Bown.
You can also see the vehicles on Thursday and Friday mornings at McFeeters Motor Museum, they’ll be gathering for 9am departure.
