BRIGHT’S 32nd Rod Run is bringing even more iconic scenes and glamour to the event this year, with over 400 entrants already booked in and thousands expected to flock to town next month for the three day carnival.
Organiser Mike Dealt said things were looking in good shape for another successful event on November 8 to 10.
“Our numbers are looking good and everything should run smoothly, now we just have to pray to the weather gods,” he said.
“We’re doing a slightly different format for the Saturday night which has attracted quite a few people we wouldn’t normally have seen attend, which is great.
“Normally we have a run of live bands but this year we’ve moved the pin-up competition down to the evening, there’s rock and roll dance lessons and we’ll have either a burlesque dancer or a nine piece swing group.
“Our club member Kerry Manning has been amazing in organising the Fashion Through the Ages; she’s gone back to 1930s through to 1980, which is essentially the range of our cars so she’s linking fashion up to cars of that era.
“She’s even raided the op shops for crockery and cutlery and decorations from those eras for the tables on the night.”
Mr Dealt said he expects to see around 500 entrants and 15,000 people enjoying festivities.
“The cars are coming up on the Tuesday of Melbourne Cup and not going home until Monday or Tuesday of the next week,” he said.
“So we put something on for three days but they’re around a lot longer; it’s a carnival event these days.
“Last year we were down in numbers quite a bit following COVID, but typically we see 400-500 entrants, and then another 400 cars rock up just for the weekend, so the main street is absolutely a traffic jam for the Friday and Saturday.
“All of the accommodation in the shire and beyond is booked and that’s 12,000 fixed beds, not counting tents and caravans.
“Prior to COVID it was estimated our event puts around $7 million into the shire, and I don’t think it’s got smaller since then.”
Alcohol restrictions will be in place during the period 10pm Thursday, November 7 to 7am Monday, November 11 for the event that have been in place since 2019.
The alcohol restrictions apply to public areas across the Bright CBD, including Gavan Street, Railway Avenue, Ireland Street, Howitt Park and Centenary Park.
There will be road closures on Wood Street, Burke Street, Camp Street and Ireland Street.
Prominent temporary signage and advertising will be used to ensure that the alcohol restrictions designation is well communicated to event attendees.
To contact organisers, call 0439 913 310 or email seeyou@brightrodrun.com.au.
For tickets, go to https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1148341.
