Postscript : Beach Hop Warm Up Party 2010

It was a brilliant day, despite the weather forecast being for heavy rain, and they came out in their droves, both cars and people.

See more photos in our gallery.

Numbers of classics and hot rods that filled downtown Waihi were well up on our inaugural year, which can partly be attributed to the fact now people know what sort of day Waihi turns on. Warm Up turned into hotting up with over 60 stalls through town, shops galore offering sales and specials, and something for everyone, including those who aren't car fanatics. Rides for the children, plenty of food and refreshments, and three bands throughout town rocking and rolling guaranteed everyone who wanted a good time got one.

While the weather may have put a few out of towners off coming, those that ignored the forecast had a brilliant time. We had visitors from Wellsford and Warkworth, Rotorua and New Plymouth, and even as far away as Rangiora near Christchurch. Thousands turned up to enjoy the day, and we had a massive crowd and a record number of entries for the Gold FM Drag race through the centre of town, again proving men have at least a little fashion sense, and a lot of 'balls' to get dressed up in women's clothing and run up the middle of Waihi.
 
The crew from Beach Hop were rapped with the day, and announced they'll definitely be back next year, which was great to hear come over the speakers at the prize giving. It's the relaxed friendly atmosphere that Waihi turns on and the way the town gets behind it that makes it a unique part of Beach Hop.
 
Newmont Waihi Gold must be acknowledged for their assistance with putting on this day; without their support, along with all the other sponsors, together with all the shops that participate in the day, and the volunteers and crowds of people, this just wouldn't happen.
 
Thanks Waihi, you really know how to turn it on. And as always, with Go Waihi, rule number 1 is to have fun, and we certainly did that in Waihi yesterday! Here's to Waihi's Warm Up Party for Beach Hop 2011.
 
Waihi - you Rock ... and Roll!

Go Waihi Beach Hop Warm Up Party with Newmont Waihi Gold 2010 Winners List

Gold FM Drag Race
1st - Waihi Central School - The Hotties ( Logan, Zac & Caleb )
New World $50 Vouchers x 3 , Flowers courtesy Koru Florist & Gallery

2nd - Newmont Waihi Gold - Golden Girls ( Rowan, Murray & Jo )
3rd - Mitre 10 Midnight Runners ( Gerard, Bruno & Wade )

Winner One hours massage Alma at Massage Art
 Chris Silk - New World - Playful Rabbits

Winner Nixon Watch $350 Dbar Surf Street & Skate Wear Waihi, Whangamata, Katikati
Daniel Kersilla - The Old Rockers - New World
Boobie prizes all round courtesy Banana Pepper

Winner of Donate a Bra with Gold FM and Banana (Branana) Pepper
Colin Ottaway (thanks to wife Christine) $40 voucher for a pair at Banana Pepper

Winner Best Dressed Male - Dinner for 2 Waitete Orchard  Restaurant
Dave Sutcliffe

Winner Best Dressed Female - Diamond stud earrings hand made by Paul from Diamonds on Seddon
Robyn Ganley

Winner Best Hot Rod judged by Glen Grindley - General Manager Waihi Operations, Newmont Waihi Gold
Paul Brown 1934 2 door Plymouth

Winner Best Classic Car - Mayor judged by John Tregida
Rex Moyle Tauranga - 1957 2 door Chev

Winner Sony Handycam  Hop Shop & Drop Promotion with Waihi Leader, Gold FM & Go Waihi
Barb Deisher - Waihi