Vehicle of the Show winner Max Carroll receives his award from Graeme Hendy.
Rising fuel prices did not stop vehicle enthusiasts travelling from several states for the Southern Riverina Vehicle and Machinery Club Show and Shine held at the Finley Showgrounds on Sunday.
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At one stage, vehicles were backed up from the entrance to the showgrounds, as far back as the highway.
The fine weather enticed local residents and visitors to attend the event.
The competition categories covered a large selection of cars, utilities, motor bikes and tractors with the quality of entries making it difficult for the judges to come to a decision.
Adding to the attraction were about 40 spare parts and accessories stalls set up for display and sales.
Finley Lions Club members, who recently finished the winter season of selling wood raffle tickets on Saturday mornings, turned their hands to cooking egg and bacon rolls which were well sought after.
Greg Koschel Perpetual Trophy winner Brendan Mills, Robert Koschel and Sharyn James with Brendan’s 1971 XY Falcon GS.
Entertainment by Steve Bell added to the festive atmosphere which was appreciated by the people taking advantage of sitting in the sun eating breakfast.
There were some wonderful displays of much-loved vehicles, restored by owners over many years.
One first timer was Dorothy Sutton, who very carefully drove her 1932 Ford Coupe from Yarrawonga.
After encountering a few kangaroos on the way, she arrived safely and was happy to tell her story about building the coupe from a floppy body (shell) to the magnificent finished product it is today.
Bob Bevan, a keen car club enthusiast, travelled from Lavington in his 1975 XBGT white Falcon.
Suitably dressed car parking attendant, Michael Walsh, couldn’t resist taking a break and spending some time with a 1972 Cadillac EL Dorado which was sporting an enormous set of horns.
Dorothy Sutton with her 1932 Ford Coupe.
Another vehicle which attracted attention was a bright red Little Comer Knocker owned by Gavin Schweicker from Berrigan.
However, one would not have expected to come across one spectacle – Gary Evans from Yarrawonga was strolling around with his mate Maki, a blue and gold Macaw bird, on his shoulder. Well, if every man and his dog can attend!
Presentations and drawing of the raffle began around noon, and the organisers took the opportunity to welcome everyone and thank the many generous sponsors whose contributions made the event such a success.
And, of course, one couldn’t go past the donuts and lemonade being prepared by the Finley Public School volunteers.
Trophies for the top 10 cars, top five motorbikes, best truck, best 4x4, best tractor, best Ford, and push bikes were given out.
Florence and Jasper Thomas-Williams continued to shine in the push bikes area, as they have done for the last three years.
The Greg Koschel Perpetual Trophy was presented by Robert Koschel to Brendan Mills from Numurkah for his 1971 XY Falcon GS.
Graeme Hendy presented Max Carroll with the trophy for Vehicle of the Show, for his Black Ford Single Spinner.
The organisers would like to thank the many sponsors without whom the Show and Shine could not have been such a success.
Finley Public School volunteers (from left) Jess Manks, Kazz Congram, Billi Horneman and Hannah Ham served fresh lemonade and donuts.
Florence and Jasper Thomas-Williams were winners of the push bike category.
Parking attendant Michael Walsh, suitably dressed for the occasion, with supervisor Julie Congram.
Lions members Bill Judd, Anne Braybon and Bill Rowlands taking payment for breakfast egg and bacon rolls.
Bob Bevan with his 1975 XBGT Falcon.
Brendan Mills (left) accepting the Greg Koschel Memorial Trophy from Robert Koschel.
Garry Evans with his mate 'Maki', a blue and gold Macaw.
Gavin Schweicker's Little Comer Knocker.
Michael Walsh with the 1972 Cadillac EL Dorado.
Vehicle of the Show winner Max Carroll with his Black Ford Single Spinner.
