The engines will roar into Narrandera over the Easter long weekend for the iconic annual Easter Rod Run. Although the official Rod Run started in 1985, Narrandera was already well known for its folklore in attracting some stunning vehicles to town. In 1973, Narrandera hosted the first national street rod gathering organised by the Australian Street Rod Federation, attracting about 250 custom cars. The enthusiasm, goodwill and community spirit created during that event left a lasting impression and helped cement Narrandera as a welcoming home for rod enthusiasts. Over the decades, the town has continued to draw many car enthusiasts. The idea to host such an event was hatched by members of the Earlies Street Rod & Custom Club in 1984. The Rod Run has grown into a must-attend Easter event, with generations of classic car enthusiasts with petrol running through their veins, who return year after year. One of the organisers Steven Alldrick quashed rumours about people “pulling out” because of the current fuel crisis. “We are very excited to be returning again to Narrandera and yes the event is going ahead and we haven’t had anyone pull out because of the fuel crisis, as it has been rumoured,” Mr Alldrick said. “This year’s event is set to be a big one with already over 300 pre-entries. “We have entrants from outside NSW - Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland and Victoria.” As usual, this year’s event offers plenty of action and excitement. A dinner on Thursday, will start the festivities for the four-day event. The following day, on Friday, will be even busier with a cooked breakfast, children’s activities, a ladies afternoon and a rock n roll dinner dance. Saturday’s ‘Cruisin’ No Boozin’ event will see East Street come alive from 5pm as classic cars make their way through the town’s main street. Attendees will be able to enjoy food stalls, amusement rides in Bolton Street and live music from the El Tones and take a ride on the popular Cruise with the Lions Train. And the children won’t be forgotten with the Easter Bunny set to make an appearance. One of the crowd favourites will be the Show n Shine on Easter Sunday, with more than 400 vehicles on display, alongside market stalls, food vendors, live music and an award presentation for the standout cars, such as Top Rod, Top Custom, Top Cruiser, Top Ride and Young Custom. “The Cruizin no Boozin Saturday night is always a great atmosphere and the town always gets behind this part of the event,” Mr Alldrick said. “The spectators are asked to leave the reserved parking for the hot rods as without these spaces we won’t have the entrants to put on a show. “The Show and shine on Easter Sunday is looking like a big highlight with over 400 cars likely to attend. “There will be market stalls, food vendors, trade stands, event merchandise, we will be entertained by Rough Cut.” Two of Mr Alldrick’s vehicles will feature in the event. “My wife Kathleen’s 1932 Ford Tudor and my 1968 XT Fairmount,” he said. “We are also finishing my sister and brother-in-law’s, Emily and Darryn Lang’s A model Tudor - this will be the car’s first event. “Emily is involved in the running of the Rod Run also.” The Rod Run promises to be a weekend of classic cars, hot rods, great people and good times, so whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking for a fantastic Easter weekend out, this iconic event is one not to miss. Mr Alldrick thanked all the businesses that supported the event, by way of money and supplying products for raffle or services. “Every little bit helps and we appreciate them for getting behind us; this allows for the event to survive and return each year.” Rod Run Itinerary Thursday 2 April Venue: Narrandera Golf Club Racecourse Road 4pm-7pm: Early arrivals registration, Merchandise Sales Friday 3 April Venue: Narrandera Golf Club 8.30am-11.30am: Registration and merchandise sales 10.30am: Assemble at the Golf Club for an observation run Venue: Sew Fab 111 East St Narrandera 2pm-4pm: Ladies afternoon at Sew Fab- Sewing demonstration, project making, herbal cream and tea demonstration, nibbles and wine - entrants only. Venue: Lake Talbot Caravan Park 12pm: Biggest hot rod artwork sale Peter Close top of the park Venue: Pioneer Hall 2pm-4pm Roller skate disco ($15p/p, $5 skate hire) Venue: Narrandera Golf Club Saturday 4 April Venue: Narrandera Golf Club 8.30am-9.30am: Late registration (last chance to collect entry) 10.30am: Assemble at Golf Club for cruise (approx. 60km return). Upon your return to Narrandera. Return to Narrandera and shop local. Venue: Lake Talbot Pool 12pm-2.30pm: Food available Venue: East Street 4pm: Onward “Cruising No Boozing” East St Narrandera, must display windscreen sticker - brought to you by The Narrandera Pharamacy Chemsave Sunday 5 April Venue: Narrandera Sports Ground (enter via Elizabeth St, opposite the showgrounds) Show and Shine 11am: Gates open for Show ‘n Shine, Live Band Rough Cut, merchandise sales, market and food stalls, trade stands. 1.30pm: Voting closes for Top Ride, Top Rod and Top Custom please return your voting slips to the Earlies merchandise stand by 1.30pm. 2.30pm: Trophy presentations on main stage. Rod Run concludes - thank you to everyone for attending this year’s event see you in 2027.
