For the third year running, Ballina will host the North Coast Show and Shine, a community motor show that celebrates some of the country’s finest classic cars, utes and motorbikes.
The outdoor festival held at Ballina Racecourse gives locals a chance to display their prized machines but also come together around food, live music and family friendly activities. The event also helps to raise awareness and funds for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Organisers Michelle and Martin Bailey came upon the idea to run the show as a way to foster community spirit but also support the rescue service. Michelle is president of the support group for the service in Ballina, her association beginning after Martin was injured in an accident. She says the Show and Shine has become a way of giving back to the service after they needed its help.
The couple works closely with the Lennox Head Machinery Club and other local car groups to coordinate vehicle displays, with entrants coming from all over the state and across the Queensland border.
Michelle notes that while everyone has a favourite car, it’s always a surprise to see who will win one of 25 medallions handed out by child judges. “The kids have to walk around the vehicles with mum or dad or whoever they’re with, and they take it very seriously,” she said. “It’s a big part of the day. Our car guys all vie for those awards because they’re personal. It’s whatever resonated with that child.”
There are also 25 official trophies awarded to the top entrants across multiple categories. Typically on show are big muscle cars, classics such as Mustangs, brand new Ferraris and unique vintage models such as American-made Lincolns.
“We have historic cars right up to late models, so there’s no precedent on what age the car can be,” said Martin. “We’ve had cars that are 120 years old. We also get 1975 Holden Monaro HQs worth up to $500,000 these days. So we get a lot of those old types of classic muscle cars.”
While the big kids enjoy classic engines, little ones can see police patrol cars up close and also enjoy rides and jumping castles. The Baileys expect a big turn out this year, up to as many as 10,000 people and 1,000 vehicles on show.
“It’s the biggest event in Ballina by far,” said Martin. “We’re looking for a bumper year this year.”
Show ‘N’ Shine recently won community event of the year in the Ballina Shire Australia Day Awards, where it was called a “high impact event that benefits the whole community.”
The show takes place on Sunday, 22 February, with a $25 entry per family and kids under five are free. Find out more at northcoastshowandshine.com.
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