There were plenty of smiles on display during the parade.
The tyres were squealing, the chrome was shining, and the smell of burning rubber was in the air as more than 400 classic cars cruised the streets of Timaru to kick off a weekend of rock 'n roll festivities.
At least 1000 people are expected to converge on Timaru for the first ever Caroline Bay Rock and Hop, which was launched with a parade of vehicles down Stafford St and through Pleasant Point and Temuka on Friday night.
Even more turned out to watch the spectacle, with an eclectic mix of rockabilly fans, car enthusiasts, and St Patrick's Day revellers lining the street to take in the show.
More than 400 cars took part in the Caroline Bay Rock and Hop cruise on Friday night.
The weekend-long, 1950s and '60s-themed event was launched to raise funds for Hospice South Canterbury, and organisers are hoping it will become an annual extravaganza.
For Cromwell petrolhead Mitch Spillane, the trip from Central Otago with his daughter was a chance to combine a love of classic cars with a family weekend away.
As he made the most of the evening sun at Caroline Bay in his 1968 XT Falcon 500, Spillane said the turnout was great.
John Bisset takes part in the Rock and Hop cruise on Friday night.
"It should be a good weekend."
Inspired by the 11-day Australian Cooly Rocks On festival, the main event will take place on Saturday with a host of vehicles, having made the trip to Timaru from around New Zealand, parked up at the bay to be shown off to the public.
Hospice fundraiser Jeanna Munro believed at least 1000 people from out of town were taking part in the event.
"It's absolutely brilliant.
"As far as I know, all the motels are all booked all the way out to Geraldine."
Spark plugs, pistons and blow off valves would also be sent down the catwalk for another motoring-themed part of the festival, the inaugural Wearable Parts Awards.
Entries for the awards would have to imaginatively use car, motorbike and caravan parts for 70 per cent of their costumes.
The event will be rounded off on Sunday with a champagne breakfast and a photo shoot at the Timaru Town and Country Club.
- Stuff
