THE hearts of Limestone Coast petrol-heads will be racing next week as the Lake City Rodder’s annual Valentine’s Day Run takes place.
Starting on the annual day of love – February 14 – the three-day event is expected to attract over 50 hot-rod enthusiasts from across the country.
Club secretary Rod Storan said the event promised to deliver a shining display of historic and collector vehicles dating back to 1948.
Mr Storan said people from as far as Melbourne, Adelaide and New South Wales would travel to take part.
“The cruise is all about the fellowship of people who share the same passion and interest for cars,” he said.
“It is really a chance to get together as some people probably have not seen each other since the run last year.
“Other people may have caught up at different events around the place, but it gives us a good chance to run the cars and show them off in public.”
In its 28th year, Mr Storan said it was fitting the event started on February 14 this year.
“Years ago, we just needed to pick a weekend as an excuse for a run and we just happened to pick Valentine’s Day,” he said.
“It has fallen on Valentine’s Day beforehand, but I can not remember off the top of my head when that was.
“Each year we try and hold it as close to Valentine’s Day as possible so it is great to have the event start on the actual day this year.”
Mr Storan said the love theme was fitting given many club members shared a close relationship with their car.
“You would hate to see some chose between their partner, the kids and their vehicle. Some would find it a difficult decision,” he said.
“With an event like this, the members are able to spend time with their partner and their car too.
“It really is the best of both worlds.”
A family-friendly event, Mr Storan said it was not just about a group of car-lovers getting together to cruise.
“We always encourage new members and all you need is a historic car – we encourage to be pre-existing 1948 – on the road or in the works,” he said.
The event will start on Friday, February 14 with early registrations and a light tea from 4.30pm at Hastings Cunningham Reserve.
On the Saturday, registrations will start at 8am with breakfast provided by the club to all participants.
Vehicles will then met at the Valley Lake precinct for lunch at 12pm to depart at 1.30pm for a 50km mystery observation run.
A barbecue tea will then be provided at the clubrooms followed by trivia and bingo.
During the event’s last day, a swap meet will be held at Malseed Park from 7am with a show and shine from 10am.
