Street Rodder News Issue No. 11 - October 1997
Street Rodder News Issue No. 11 - October 1997
Hot Rods, Customs, Classic Cars, Rock 'N' Roll, Rockabilly, Dance Competitions, 47 bands and acts all jammed into the first week of June in Coolangatta/Tweed Heads. No, this isn't a Rod Run report...this is an article on one of the great 50's and 60's Rock Revival happenings.
For ten years now the twin towns of Coolangatta/Tweed Heads have played host to the Wintersun Festival and Rock 'N' Roll dance competition which ran over three weekends, culminating with Custom Classics and Hot Rods in a street display on the Queens Birthday weekend, and Power Boat racing nearby. As the event has grown bigger each year, this year was time for a rejuvenation. The power boat racing was dropped from the program, and the Festival length shortened to take in two weekends, with more cars involved.
This year Tweed Area Street Rodders were invited onto the committee, with the view of increasing the Hot Rod participation. Previously 120 cars was the best turnout, with about 20 being Rods. Our aim was for 200 cars this year, with maybe 50 to 60 rods, increasing that figure to 100 rods over the next couple of years. We had to shut the gate at 210 cars (including 80 rods), and unfortunately, knocked back another a further 130 or so cars. Next year, with early entrant prizes, we hope to be looking at around 400 cars entered, including hopefully 150-200 Rods for the main Queens Birthday weekend Show 'N Shine.
The first weekend of the event was comprised of organised Runs on Saturday and Sunday, and a Cruise through Surfers Paradise on Saturday night. There was a swap meet and some driving comps on Sunday morning. Mid week there was a "Cruise In Sausage Sizzle". The following long week-end kicked off with Friday's "Cruise Night" held in the main street of Coolangatta. Three blocks were closed to public vehicles, reserved for entrants only cruising. This has become one of the highlights of the weekend, enjoyed by both cruisers and spectators alike. Saturday was the Street Parade and Show 'N' Shine. The event peaked on Sunday with all the cars on display for the Show 'N' Shine, and three stages set up with entertainers rocking along to the crowds all day. Monday was the finale, with an "Old Time Rock Concert" held at nearby Seagulls stadium.
Coolangatta/Tweed Heads Wintersun Festival is fast becoming the Rock N' Roll capital of Australia. The first week in June is the 50's & 60's mecca for cruising Hot Rods, Customs and Classics, with this year seeing cars from SA, Vic, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and central Qld as entrants. Trophies aren't for the best car as such, but are for the Coolest period car...Lowest, Traditional, Best Flames, Best Chop Top, Coolest Coupe etc.. The only criteria is to fit the era, and be driven.
Tweed Area Street Rodders will be involved again in the Wintersun Festival, and are looking to expand a lot of the activities for the Rodders to the second weekend. If you drive your street rod, like a good old fashioned Cars and Rock 'N' Roll music weekend, and want to be part of this great event, mark it on your calendar for next year. Hotrods, Kustoms, Rock 'N' Roll.
Ian Johnston
Tweed Area Street Rodders Inc
