Raising Hell In Maidenwell, Independence Day
Hosted By The South Burnett Gas Guzzlers Hot Rod Club
Queensland, AustraliaFriday, July 6, 2012
It is always refreshing to attend Hot Rod events in different countries to see how things differ from what we're used to. My partner Lisa is based in Queensland, Australia so I was excited when she told me we were heading away for a weekend camp out at the 3rd annual "Raising Hell In Maidenwell Show" to celebrate the USA Independence Day. Organized by the South Burnett Gas Guzzlers Hot Rod Club, the event is held at the Maidenwell Show Grounds in rural Queensland. Maidenwell is a small town with just a hotel and general store, so when the hot rod event hits town the locals sure do know all about it!
The weekend activities started Friday afternoon with entrants setting up their camp sites - mostly in vintage camper trailers. Camp fires were lit as we settled in to watch Elvis' "Speedway" movie on the big screen. Saturday morning got underway with a great BBQ breakfast followed by day entrant cars rolling in for the public car show, which was very well patronised. If the cars weren't enough to keep you busy, then there were plenty of other attractions including live rockabilly music, chicken poop lotto, kids coloring competition, raffles and an engine blow up contest. A highlight for many were the "grass driving events" where drivers and passengers had to compete in 3 different games involving hay bales, slaloms, ping pong balls and water. As you can imagine, the combination of powerful engines and a grass course resulted in many cars going around in circles, much to the amusement of the spectators. The entertainment continued on Saturday night with a "pig on the spit" meal at the adjacent pub with rockabilly music provided by the "Atomic Crusiers".
Sunny weather greeted us Sunday morning for another top notch BBQ breakfast before we departed on a cruise through the surrounding countryside. After a couple of stops to check out local attractions we arrived back at Maidenwell for the final lunch and farewells.
So what did I find different about the event to those I've attended over the years in New Zealand? This event was very laid back and reminded me of "how it used to be", with people there to have fun rather than being there just to be seen or win prizes. One thing I did realise was the camaraderie between hot rodders, no matter which country they are from, is universal. It didn't matter what car or vintage camper trailer you brought along, you were made to feel welcome and part of the event. Well done to the Gas Guzzlers of Maidenwell!