ABOUT 100 hot rods and custom vehicles descended on the city over the Labour Day weekend for the biennial Wangaratta Rod and Custom Car Club Rod Run.

Classic cars of yesteryear were on show throughout the region as patrons of the event set out on a poker run along the silo art trail on Saturday.

Participants would be given a playing card at each landmark and believe it or not the winning hand was four or a kind.

On Saturday night the motorists were encouraged to dine in Wangaratta district establishment and passers-by were able to admire their immaculate machines parked out the front.

The show 'n' shine at the Wangaratta Showgrounds was also a hit and attracted a strong crowd, with a spread of prizes awarded across multiple categories.

Wangaratta Rod and Custom Car Club president Rennae McKenzie said they were all "exceptionally happy" with the outcome of the event despite the heat and dust.

"The cars are a great spectacle, they're beautiful machines, and you can actually hear them coming, not like these new electric cars," she said.

"About 45 people stayed at the showgrounds and the rest stayed in accommodation or just out of town.

"In the past we did a dinner and had a planned meal on the Saturday night, but we tried something different this year.

"When we used to run the event in Corowa we used to block off Sanger Street so just the entrants' cars were cruising down the street.

"In 2022 we tried to do this around the showgrounds but we didn't get as many takers and the public weren't there to see it.

"We couldn't do it this year because of the works at the showgrounds so we urged patrons to dine up the street.

"People were out spending money at local businesses and it was successful as far as the club is concerned."

The ladies had many laughs at a high tea on the Sunday morning that Rennae organised.

"The show 'n' shine went well, we had a colouring competition for the kids, food vans, with the aero modelers with their planes and remote control car users putting on a show for spectators," she said.

"On Monday morning we held a farewell breakfast and the dog obedience club put on eggs and bacon - it was brilliant."

"It was a great weekend and visitors had plenty of free time to drive around the region and check out attractions like the wineries."

Rod Run and show 'n' shine awards:

TOP 10

1. Job Drew 1970 XW Falcon Ute. Trophy sponsored by Wangaratta Engineering

2. Neil & Maree Fletcher Olds 1957 Coupe. Trophy sponsored Black Venom

3. Brendan Smith 1934 Chev Puck up. Trophy sponsored by RM Clayton Joinery

4. Douglas Booth 1971 International Pick up. Trophy sponsored by Cannys Transport

5. Mark Stone 1966 Chevelle. Trophy sponsored by Alpine Truss

6. Darren Proctor 1928 A Model Tourer. Trophy sponsored by Matt Mundie Automobile

7. Andrew Richards 1956 Buick Special. Trophy sponsored by Gerry’s Mechanical

8. Iain Leitch 1948 Chev. Custom Creation

9. Jim & Judy McQualter 1932 Ford Roadster. Rare Spares Wodonga

10. Joy & Peter Drew 1935 Ford Coupe. Tuff Tyres Wangaratta

CLUB CHOICE

Ian Cooke 1934 Ford Roadster. Trophy sponsored by Wang Pump Shop

Dave Sessions 1970 Bedford Pick up. Trophy Sponsored by FibreChev

Neville Haynes 1931 Coupe. Trophy sponsored by DWJ Contracting

Andrew Richards 1956 Buick Special. Trophy sponsored by Rat Race Management

DAY ENTRANTS

Nikki Warburton 1962 Cadillac. Coupe Cheville. Trophy sponsored by Robinson’s Truck and Coach Maintenance

Kylie Law 1974 Holden HQ. Trophy sponsored by Wangaratta Brake, Clutch and Auto

Petrina Paice 1955 Buick Century. Trophy sponsored by Grimshaw signs

Troy Dowell 1966 Ford Falcon. Trophy sponsored by WEhire

ENTRANTS CHOICE

Jon Drew 1970 XW Falcon Ute. Trophy sponsored by WBAIS

Pauline & Peter Dickins 1932 Ford Puck up. Trophy sponsored by Northeast Fasteners

George Prothero XY GT Falcon. Trophy sponsored by Auto 8

Bevan & Annette Bradley 1961 Chevrolet Belair. Trophy sponsored by Superior Joinery

SHANNONS PUBLIC CHOICE

Darren Proctor 1928 A Model Tourer. Trophy sponsored and donated by Shannon’s Insurance

JUNIORS CHOICE (under 16)

Ken Phillips 1937 Ford Puck up. Trophy Sponsored by Wangaratta Rod and Custom Car Club Inc

RAFFLE

1st prize $300 fuel voucher

Josh Duffy

2nd prize $200 fuel voucher

Judi McQualter

3rd prize $100 fuel voucher

Dave Andrew