Hundreds of car enthusiasts are expected to roll into Parkes on Saturday, October 13 for the annual Charity Show ‘n’ Shine and Swap Meet.
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But this year’s event is a little more special than previous years – particularly for the Parkes Antique Motor Club (PAMC).
Three years ago PAMC joined forces with the Central West Car Club (CWCC) to host a combined car extravaganza at Pioneer Park, which sees vehicles, motorcycles and machinery on display and novice and professional traders come together to view and purchase a piece of classic, vintage and veteran motoring history.
Prior to that the two clubs ran their own events.
2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the swap meet, that began as a fundraiser for PAMC.
“It began with Peter McQuie and Tony Ostini travelling to the national swap meet in Bendigo,” said Alan Payne, one of the original organisers of the meet.
“It used to be held at the Parkes Showground...and it ran over two days.”
But like many events in smaller areas, it became harder to run the meet as each year passed and the options were to let it die or combine with the CWCC’s Show ‘n’ Shine, which is now in its 14th year.
Now there’s no looking back, with club members saying the event is “really taking off”.
“The combination of the two events has been a real positive for both clubs, with the Parkes Swap Meet now one of the biggest in the Central West,” PAMC president Tony Horsington said.
“Each year we welcome professional and novice traders from all across the eastern states of Australia, and is a great opportunity for locals and visitors to secure a piece of history or start their very own collection.”
Alan said original members had always hoped the swap meet would be long-standing and successful.
“I hope it goes for another 25 years,” he said.
CWCC donates its entire funds from the Show ‘n’ Shine to Can Assist, with the gathering becoming the charity’s major fundraiser.
In total from donations and sponsorship, $10,000 has been raised each year for the last four years.
The PAMC began in 1974 and today it boasts 75 members and 200 registered cars, trucks and bikes. The CWCC was formed in 1954 following a meeting of people from all walks of life who shared a common interest in hill climbing and racing high powered vehicles.
Gates open to the public at 6am on Saturday, October 13. Entry to Pioneer Oval is via the eastern end of Victoria Street.
General admission for the Parkes Swap Meet is $5, and a gold coin donation for the Show ‘n’ Shine.
Swappers can register for a site for $10 which includes entry for one person.
Proceeds from Show ‘n’ Shine will be donated to Can Assist, with the proceeds from the swap meet going towards resourcing the Parkes Motor Museum within the Henry Parkes Centre.
To register for the swap meet, contact Alan Curteis on (02) 6862 5848 or Phil Dixon on 0419 888 695.
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