Start your engines, South Taranaki, AmeriCARna is back

Start your engines! AmeriCARna is roaring back into Hāwera and Ōpunakē.

On Wednesday 19 February, AmeriCARna heads to Ōpunakē Beach arriving at 11.30am. Come along to check out the cars as there will be live music by local Sonic Delusion, food from local vendors and community fundraisers, and the beach shop will also be open. The cars depart at 2.00pm.

On Friday 21 February, the cars will head to Hāwera from Stratford (via Kaponga and Manaia along State Highway 45) and line Hāwera’s CBD for the afternoon. The Town Square will be filled with live music from ‘Nana & Petal’ and ‘Nikki Rei’’ and be busy with the usual market day through High Street as well as a free memory/photo booth organised by Bizlink Hāwera. Cars will start arriving in town as early as 1.15pm and depart at 5.15pm.

“There are close to 700 cars registered this year – we are sure to fill the beach and streets of South Taranaki!” says South Taranaki District Council’s Community Events Co-ordinator Alysha Judson.

The Acceleration event will once again be held on Albion Street from 2.30pm, with cars being timed over an 80 metre sprint to the finish line. We remind spectators to be cautious and listen to all directions given from volunteers, staff, and respect surrounding local businesses.

“We are excited to have AmeriCARna return to South Taranaki once again. It is a great opportunity to support local businesses and see what they have on offer, all while admiring some beautiful cars. Motorists will need to take extra care on the roads and be patient, plan ahead as it may take you a little longer to get where you are heading due to road closures,” says Alysha.

Road closures during the AmeriCARna events:

• On Wednesday 19 February, Beach Road in Ōpunakē will be closed to all vehicles (except AmeriCARna cars). We recommend that spectators park on a side street and walk down to the beach.
• On Friday 21 February, cars will be parked on High Street (from Argyle St to Caledonia Street), Regent Street (from High Street to Little Regent Street), Union Street (for 80m from High Street) and in the Community Centre carpark. Albion Street (from High Street to Rowe Street) will also be closed for the Acceleration event.

AmeriCARna Ōpunakē Beach, Wednesday 19 February 11.30am – 2.30pm.
AmeriCARna Hāwera CBD, Friday 21 February, 1.15pm – 5.15pm.