Despite the fresh morning and chance of rain on Sunday, July 14, the Zephyr and Zodiac Club of Victoria was not put off getting up bright and early for another instalment of Cars and Coffee Nathalia.
With Nathalia Lions Club on hand to cook the bacon and egg rolls, and Shannons Insurance helping to set up, word came through that the Deniliquin Historic Vehicle Club and the GV Car Club would be attending as part of their monthly club runs.
Zephyr and Zodiac Club of Victoria vice-president Andrew Maclean said the day was a fantastic event, with a record turnout surpassing the hopes of the organisers.
“The day turned out to be perfect for it, because we were all expecting rain,” he said.
“Cars started flowing in at about 8.45am and didn't stop until we packed up. We had 78 or 79 cars all up, which were stretched out from the water tower all the way down the main street.”
Now a few editions in since the first event was held, Mr Maclean said the progression had been steady, although the latest iteration of Cars and Coffee was by far the biggest.
“It's been good; the first few have been steady, around the same numbers, which we didn’t mind because everyone was having a good time,” he said.
“But the latest one just really exceeded what we were expecting, just the amount of cars that turned up and the amount of people that came out.
“The local op shop and book store also opened up, so everyone was going through the shops in town as well, so everybody was involved this time, the shops and the community, and the cars, which was really good.”
The feedback from local businesses has been positive, with many passing on that they had experienced spikes in sales when the events have been held.
“The local cafe, Milking It, and Brereton’s Bakery, they’re just blown away with how many customers are coming through the door when the event is on,” Mr Maclean said.
“The op shop sold more (on Sunday) than they normally do during the week, so everyone is just really happy with how much money is getting spent in the town.”
The next Cars and Coffee event will be held on Sunday, August 11, with Mr Maclean keen for more people to get involved and appreciate the cars on show.
“Whatever amount of cars we get will be great, hopefully around the same amount, if not more,” he said.
“We’re just grateful for anyone that comes along and enjoys themselves.”