2nd Camperdown Cruise 2009

Has it been a year already? Where does the time go man? It seems like just last week that we were cruising the quiet streets of Camperdown, a quiet little hamlet two-hours west of Melbourne.

Albeit last year we were inundated with rain, bitterly cold and wet but the weather didn’t stop 120 enthusiasts from attending the inaugural Camperdown Cruise event all vowing to show up for the next one – and show up they did.

After last year’s event, proprietor of Relic Restorations and founding father of the Camperdown Cruise, Arthur Matsakos thought it a good idea to shift the dates for this years a little further forward ensuring rather than praying that Mother Nature would shine down on him – and she did. Sure a bit of drizzle on Saturday but overall it was a blue sky and sunny.

By Saturday morning more than 300 cars assembled in elm tree lined Manifold Street, the main throughway of the township. Live music was provided by Sky Rockats along with Jump ‘n Jive who rocked Camperdown’s Theatre Royal. Now this venue has to be seen to be believed, built in 1890 it stood the test of time with rock ‘n rollers giving its polished hard wood floor a good going over. In the same venue this year, Arthur (ever so thoughtful) didn’t forget about the women that often get dragged to events against their will by providing them with a woman’s fashion parade. Vivien of Holloway made available ample dresses, skirts plus various other fashion accessories from her vast collection of 40’s & 50’s apparel.

After the cruise to the Model Barn and after dinner, entrants made their way back to the old theatre where six rockabilly bands that included Jump ‘n Jive, Re Chords, F100's, Sky Rockats, The Infernos, and the Long Billys entertained entrants and locals well into the following morning.

What I really love about Camperdown though is the way the locals, business owners and officialdom have embraced and encouraged the event to prosper. No one is more enthusiastic than Mayor Ruth Gstrein who after some considerable amount of time inspecting cars proclaimed Sheryl Hailey’s 1956 Cadillac Coupe de Ville as this years recipient of the Mayors Choice Award. Sheryl was awarded a framed art print depicting this years T-shirt design. Next years entrants and promotional T-shirts will see Sheryl’s Caddy emblazoned on it celebrating the event.

The local constabulary were also asked to pick their favourite ride of the event with which they promptly chose John Mesiti’s chopped ’58 Chevy as their proud beneficiary of the Police Choice Award, they then preceded to awarded John with his prize which consisted of a defect notice - a $200.00 on the spot speeding fine and a night in the old jail. Only joking of course!

Sunday followed with hearty breakfast at the Cascade Motel, then another cruise taking in all the wonderful sights Camperdown has to offer then over to Relic Restorations for a BBQ lunch, raffles and auction with some items donated by Gene Winfield, George Barris and Carroll Shelby. $7202 was raised and donated to the Camperdown Hospital Maternity Ward.

To stage an event of this magnitude one needs a little support so a special thanks to Ian & Sue Currel, Ron Bruce, Jo Brooks, Mick Mars,Tim O’Sullivan, Corangamite Shire, the students from Cobden Tech and the Camperdown's Lions Club for all of their help and support, and the biggest thank you to Becky McCann

Next year Arthur promises an even bigger event. Ten bands have already been booked, more activities, more cars, more everything. There is one thing to remember though. Accommodation is at a premium so get in quick.