LOCALS and visitors headed to Hawks Nest in droves last weekend to check out the veteran, vintage, classic and unique vehicles on display at this year's Motorfest.
This was the fifth annual Motorfest staged by Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Motor Club Inc and it was again held at Myall Sports Oval.
This wonderful and interesting day, where enthusiasts display their treasured vehicles and motorcycles in pristine condition is becoming more and more popular each year.
Selected motor clubs from Newcastle, the Hunter Region, Sydney Basin, Central Coast, Taree and the Port Macquarie area attended the event.
Secretary of the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Motor Club, Juergen Seil, said over 300 vehicles and motorcycles were on display this year.
"Last year over 1000 people paid a visit to the Motorfest, but there were even more here this year. It just keeps on growing," Mr Seil said.
Amongst other vehicles, included in the display was a 1957 Lancia Arelia B25 Medal Convertible, a BSA 1967 Thunder Bolt Motorbike and a 1939 Velocette Motorbike MAC, which was found in a farm shed, as well as an Austin Seven 1929 Chummy.
"Our local club put many of their vehicles on display; in total we have 40 members and 80 cars/motorcycles in our club," Mr Seil said.
The Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Motor Club has grown from humble beginnings five years ago, starting with six members and eight cars.
Great Lakes Council's Mayor, Clr John Chadban, attended this year's Motorfest and agreed that the growth of the local club has been extraordinary.
He offered his sincere congratulations to all involved.
"This social event is a wonderful trip down memory lane that brings people together.
"It is also a great means of raising funds for the local community.
"The location is right, the exhibits are tremendous, and the weather is great – a perfect day and a fabulous occasion."
A special attraction again this year was a large NRMA semi trailer display unit, vintage patrol van and motorcycle for public inspection.
Additionally, the local police, fire brigade, ambulance service, surf life saving club and community bus attended with their latest vehicles and interesting displays.
Red Cross ladies served coffee, tea and homemade cakes, and the Lions Club once again catered for hungry visitors by running a barbeque.
Visitors were entertained with performances by the Newcastle Australia Army Jazz Band and Tea Gardens Public School Band.
Thanks to the generous support of local sponsors and their donations, the chocolate wheel operated all day, offering the chance to win one of the many interesting prizes.
Mr Seil reported that they had great enthusiasm from all local businesses in regards to the event.
"Last year we had 88 local sponsors and this year we had 94 sponsors which is great," he said.
Motorfest 2007 was a community aid event day in support of Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club and Tea Gardens Clinic Bus – a service which transports elderly residents to medical appointments in Newcastle.
"Last year we raised $5,000 and this year we raised over $6,000," Mr Seil said.
The vehicles on display attracted great interest from the many visitors who attended the event and gave Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Motor Club members an opportunity to talk about the club's activities.
"It is still amazing to find out how many vintage or classic vehicles are stored for years in local garages or farm sheds," Mr Seil said.
The public received a voting form and there were trophies for the winners, who were judged in 18 different classes by six judges.
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