The current fuel crisis failed to hinder hundreds of motor vehicle enthusiasts descending on Narrandera over the Easter long weekend for the annual Narrandera Rod Run.

Although many visitors had to pay high prices for fuel to travel to the event, the situation did not put a dampener on an amazing weekend of incredible vintage vehicles taking to the streets.

Since it started in 1985, Narrandera has attracted hundreds of beautifully restored Rods and this year was no different.

The roar of the engines, which was part of a colourful spectacle for thrilled onlookers, was on display in the town during last Saturday’s popular ‘Cruisin’ No Boozin’ event.

One of the largest events on the town’s social calendar, the Rod Run once again brought hundreds of classic car enthusiasts in their brightly polished vintage vehicles.

Some of the organisers Steven and Kathleen Alldrick were pleased to see visitors from several states in Australia descend on the town for the weekend’s event.

Steven said he realised increasing fuel prices were in play, so he was impressed with the large turnout at the Rod Run.

“It was excellent, we couldn’t be any happier with the way it went,” he said.

“This is their hobby, so paying for fuel is part of that – they’re not going to sit at home and miss the event for the sake of paying a few hundred dollars more for fuel.

“They know what it means to the town’s economy.

“We had 450 entrants; we had to cut it off on the Friday and had to turn a few away.

“We had 20 from Tasmania and 20 from Queensland.”

Steven said many people had helped make the event run smoothly.

“Council’s efforts were excellent with the parking cones allowing people to be able to park and enjoy the event,” he said.

“Brenda and Meg from the Tourist Information Centre also did an awesome job and the police presence on mountain bikes was great. We’re always rapt with their presence.

“All the council’s work over the eight years I’ve been involved has been great – we just try to make it work better every year.”

One of the Rod Run’s drawcards, apart from witnessing a broad range of classic cars, is the “great family vibe and catching up with friends”.

“The volume of people at the Show ‘N Shine on the Sunday was the biggest number we’ve had and there was a huge crowd on Saturday night,” Steven said.

“We sold all the merchandise there.”

Narrandera Shire Council’s Deputy Mayor Sue Ruffles was full of praise for the Alldricks and their team of helpers who played a key role in organising the Rod Run.

“I’ve never missed a Rod Run and 2026 was another great year,” she said.

“Thanks all round to everyone who makes it happen.”

Kathleen Derrick hailed the event as a “great success” in her social media post.

“Thank you to all the entrants and spectators for supporting the ‘Cruisin No Boozin’ by playing by the rules,” she said.

“A huge thank you to the Narrandera Shire for always going above and beyond, from the traffic control, emptying bins and Brenda for organising food vendors etc.”

The event also attracted much praise from interstate visitors such as Bruce Hopper from the ACT.

“Another big thanks to the organising team for putting on another successful weekend, considering the fuel price situation,” he said.

“Well done from us Canberrians.”

The standout award winner was Queanbeyan man Phil Stelling with a 1935 Ford 3-Window Coupe, which won the main award, the Top Rod.

The Top Custom winner was Benny Gatt with a 1950 Ford Mercury, the Top Ride was Narrandera local Paul Elms’ 1970 Chevrolet Cheval and Dusty from Tumbarumba won the Top Cruiser award with a 1940 pick-up truck in his first Rod event.

Steven said Dusty was a worthy winner of the Top Cruiser award for his efforts during several days.

“The car was his grandad’s and then his dad’s and he has just finished restoring it. He definitely deserved the award and he was blown away.

“He drove the wheels off it the whole weekend.”

Steven said he was thankful for the large amount of positive feedback and is looking forward to making a bigger and better Rod Run next year.