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Some of the DT Kings transport trucks coming onto Tweed St off the Stead St bridge.
Southlanders defied the cold wind and rain to see the finest big rigs from Southland parade through the city.
About 120 trucks took part in Southland’s annual truck parade on Sunday, with people lined up along Tweed and Bond streets to get a glimpse.
The star of the show was the one-of-a-kind “Tex” the Texaco truck from Transport World.
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Watching the trucks on Bond St are, from left, Lyall Goodwright, holding Austin Goodwright, 1, Olivia Goodwright, 6, Jessica Goodwright, Lilly Goodwright, 8, Declyn Cockery, 6, Eelah Cockery, 2, and Chontelle Kamana, all of Wrights Bush.
Parade organiser Mark Purdue said it was the first time the 1940 Dodge Airflow truck had been out of Bill Richardson’s shed
Although the weather conditions were less than favourable, it did not stop the Southland crowd turning out for the event.
“We’re not going to melt,” Purdue said.
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Trucks rounding the roundabout onto Tweed St, showing the many spectator cars parked in the centre island.
The turnout of 120 trucks for the parade was pretty good considering how busy the road transport industry was at the moment, Purdue said.
A group of about 20 classic trucks from Christchurch and Timaru travelled down to be a part of the show, Purdue said.
Southland Transport Invercargill Truck Parade 2017 King Rig winner Cole Frew from Eden Haulage did such a good job on his truck he had the judges scratching their head.
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The Bill Richardson Transport World Dodge Airflow Texaco truck on it’s first ever outing in the city, coming onto Bond St.
Purdue said he was impressed at the detailing of the truck and said nothing was missing.
The competition had been tight, with the runner-up Ricky Rodgers from Summerland Express Freight only missing out by points, he said.
Eden Haulage also managed to take out the best fleet by only three points, Purdue said.
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Doug Ronald, Esme McCleery, 5, and Natalia Ronald shelter in the back of their car to watch the trucks pass on Bond St.
He had been organising the parade for 15 years now and said the event had been going strong for nearly 35 years because transport operators were loyal to Southland.
It was their dedication that has kept the parade going, he said.
“It’s something that’s always happened.”
Some drivers spent hours working on their rigs to get them show ready for the annual parade, Purdue said.
– Stuff