|
First Tasmanian 4X4 and Off Road Expo (1995) - Report.
The event was held on the 11th and 12th of November 1995
at Princes Wharf no.1 Shed, Hobart, and organised by the Royal
Volunteer Coastal Patrol. Two weeks prior to the
event we were contacted by the Coastal Patrol and
were offered a site at the First Tasmanian 4X4 Expo.
Great we thought, good coverage of the club [Suzuki 4x4 Club]
and what we are all about. Well, in Tasmania 4X4
clubs need as much good publicity as possible.
The original organiser for our club had already organised
a 10m x 5m site when his work called for him to travel
to Laos for hydro work. This is about where I came
into it. "Who wants to take over?" I didn't move.
It's strange how in club a volunteer can be anyone
who abstains from voicing an opinion! I had the
job. The next two weeks were hectic, our club had
recently had a name change and so new flyers, new
club banners and new stubbie holders. The display
needed some club cars, so club cars were requisitioned,
a large TV, a couple of VCR's, club equipment, snatch
straps, a tent, some large logs, a hi-lift jack, photo
boards, tables chairs and heaps of 4X4 videos of our
club.
I arrived at the site on the Friday afternoon
just in time to watch a large red hilux reverse onto
the top of an old Valiant - quite an impressive display.
The hilux was complete with 33" BF Goodrich Mud terrains,
raised suspension, Chev conversion and a number plate
which read "Mud Pig". Our little site was set up
the Zooks were jacked into position, the visual entertainment
was set up and tested. Then there was time to visit
the other stalls.
The majority of the sites were
filled with local clubs, although it does not read
this way. Although there were business entries,
the non profit sites appeared to have the best displays.
Some of the exhibitors were: Suzuki 4X4 Club, Warwick
motors, Australian Army, Tilford Motors, Toyota 4WD
Club, Tasmanian Off Road Club, Cascade 4WD Club, Derwent
4WD Club, Independent Club, Kingston Auto repairs,
Websters. I had a chat with Steve Hales
who was one of the organisers. He indicated that the
Saturday was fairly quiet as we were in competition
with Salamanca Market, however on the Sunday things
were much busier. Steve also indicated that when
they first had the now annual boat show, the first
year was slow, the next year was better and it has
continued to grow. We can but assume that the 4X4
and Off Road Expo will but do the same. Finally I
would like to thank the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol
for their assistance. The coverage that we achieved
at the expo was exceptional.
Regards Tomos, tomos@ice.net.au [11/'95]
Copyright © 1995
|
|
