CARS and bikes from across the country will converge on the Blue Lake city this weekend to raise funds for a vital cause.
The Mount Gambier chapter of the Longriders Christian Motorcycle Club is hosting the Blue Lake City Custom/Classic Bike and Car Show with all funds raised going towards suicide awareness.
Held at Active8 Sports Centre on Saturday from noon, the event will showcase vehicles of all ages and makes.
Club vice president Graeme Cleves said the club aimed to create an event a little different to the average show and shine.
“We are going to have all types of vehicles on show, not just vintage or restored vehicles,” he said.
“There is always a lot of glitz and glamour at car shows, but we wanted to showcase everything from dirt bikes to speedway cars.
“It gives everyone a chance to bring out their vehicles.”
As a chapter of the Australia-wide club, the Mount Gambier group has seen support from across the country.
“We have people travelling from as far away as Queensland and Western Australia,” Mr Cleves said.
“There are people from New South Wales, Victoria, Adelaide, Mildura and Murray Bridge making the trip.
“It’s pretty amazing to see everyone jump on board in support of this cause.”
The club decided to donate the funds from the event to Lifeline South East and Stand By to help those living with mental health issues and those bereaved by suicide.
“It’s something that is really important to our club,” Mr Cleves said.
“We have had members impacted by suicide and when things like that happen you just have to come together and support one another.
“Originally we wanted to donate to BeyondBlue, but we decided the local groups were a better fit as we know the money stays here to support people in the South East.”
With more than 60 vehicles already entered in the event, Mr Cleves believed it would be a success for the club.
“We would love to raise more than $10,000 for our cause and with the amount of numbers we currently have, we are feeling positive,” he said.
“The biggest concern now is if we can fit everyone in.
“The last event had 50 vehicles registered, but more than 100 turned up on the day.”
Prizes will also be on offer in a range of categories, including longest distance, best paint and judge’s choice, in addition to many others.
Trophies have been hand carved out of wood for the event by inmates at the Mount Gambier Prison.
“These trophies are pretty amazing one of a kind pieces,” Mr Cleves said.
“The amount of time and work that has gone into them is outstanding.
“I think it’s really great they have jumped on board to help out for the event as mental health is something that can impact on people in prison.”
In the lead-up to the event, the club has received various donations from the public.
Mr Cleves said people were more than willing to donate when they heard about the cause.
“A man came into donate $100, but once he realised we were raising money for Lifeline he decided to donate $300 instead,” he said.
“It’s amazing generosity like this that helps the community.
“As a community, we have to rally around good causes because you will never know when you’ll need to utilise them yourself.”
In addition to the car show, an after party will be hosted at the clubhouse with Mischief and Mayhem performing for the crowd.
Entry to the car show is $10 per person for spectators and $10 per vehicle.
Food vans and other entertainment such as a jumping castle will also be at the site.
Visit the Blue Lake City Custom/Classic Bike and Car Show event on Facebook for further information.
