ROCK ‘n’ rollers and classic car enthusiasts from all over SA flocked to Waikerie last weekend for two days of twisting, rocking, and revving at one of the biggest events on the Riverland calendar.
Riverland Rock ‘n’ Roll committee spokesperson Jenny Gruzlewski described the event as the group’s “biggest ever”.
“It was a huge weekend, and we’re absolutely ecstatic at how well everything went,” she said.
“On Sunday when people were checking out, they were rebooking for next year’s event – I think most local places are already booked out.
“We had a lot of comments about how much more convenient it was having the markets and Show ‘n’ Shine at the Waikerie Football Oval on Saturday – it made it a lot easier for everyone to wander between the two.”
Though numbers were still capped for dancing at the Waikerie Gliding Club hangar on Friday and Saturday night, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mrs Gruzlewski said the energy was at a high level.
“Our band, The Honkytonk Rockers, performed beautifully each night and the dance floor was packed the entire time,” she said.
“DJ Ron, who filled in between sets, was lively and kept the high-energy atmosphere up.
“Breakfast on Sunday saw the most visitors that we’ve ever had; usually we get about 100 people rocking up for breakfast but this year we had nearly 200, and no one wanted to leave – people kept saying ‘just one more dance’, it was fabulous.
“We’re already planning next year’s event, and while this one will be difficult to top, we’re working hard to make it even bigger and better.
“A huge thanks to absolutely everyone who was involved in this year’s Riverland Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival.”
Meanwhile, the 2021 Show ‘n’ Shine held on Saturday in conjunction with the Rotary Waikerie Markets, saw its biggest line-up of classic cars and motorbikes.
Event spokesperson Ian Rogers said a record number of 158 cars and 19 bikes were registered on the day.
“It was our biggest weekend yet, and holding it down at the Waikerie Oval next to the markets worked beautifully,” he said.
“I had a lot of comments from people in the street who were just blown away with the amount of cars lined up on the football oval – it was fantastic, we’re very pleased.
“Thank you to our major sponsor, Shannons, for their contribution, and to Schill Auto Parts for all the prizes.”