So I fear for my companions throughout the next two weeks, as a volley of venerable veteran Volkswagens vroom their way into the Valley from today.

VW Spectacular organiser Donna Pell is expecting no less than 500 vehicles at this year’s event – although she said that figure could be much higher and that she won’t know the final tally until registration officially closes this Saturday.

What this does mean, however, is that in excess of 2000 V-dub lovers will be cruising into our lovely Shire this weekend, with many taking up residence in accommodation centres around Macksville and Nambucca Heads: a welcome boon for the Valley’s businesses.

The event will be housed for the first time at the Macksville Showground, an exciting move which brings with it the opportunity to stage a variety of different events with a more carnival atmosphere, and which include the general public.

One major new highlight is the night markets with live entertainment and a jumping castle next Thursday from 5pm at the Showground.

But don’t you worry, Nambucca Heads, the pièce de résistance of the week – the Saturday Show ‘n’ Shine – will still see the traditional convoy of classic cars cruise down Bowra St in the morning of August 4.

If you’re at the Show ‘n’ Shine, be sure to keep a look out for the classic Country Buggy – the only Volkwagen designed and built in Australia – which is celebrating its golden jubilee this year. Word on the street is there is to be a world record number at this year’s event.

Donna said the official itinerary for participants this year runs like a roaming farm tour, celebrating the amazing produce of the Nambucca and neighbouring valleys.

Pilgrims from around the country will be stopping off at our very own Nambucca Valley Aquaponics, Davis Seafoods, Eungai Buffalo Farm, and Nambucca Heads Oyster Farm, as well as the Grassy Heads avocado and macadamia farms. Yum!

And they’ll be sure to hit up a movie at the Bowraville Theatre, grab a meal at the Valla Tavern, and a beer from The Pub With No Beer before setting sail for a Devonshire Tea on a Nambucca River Cruise.

And the Nambucca Heads Rotary and Macksville and Nambucca Lions Clubs will be cooking up a storm most evenings at the Showground.

“We’ve probably gone overboard this year with events but we’re just so excited about promoting our wonderful Valley,” Donna said.

“It is great to see support from local businesses, our friends, our customers, our families, Connect Work Placement, The Schools, Police, Nambucca Shire Council, Rotary, Lions, VRA and The NSW Fire & Rescue, Macksville Showground Committee, and if we have forgotten anyone please accept our thanks.”

VWs back in 2018

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