Update
GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - After the tremendous success of the first Collection Fair in 2017, it was announced last week that a second fair, even bigger and better than the first, will be held in September.
The inaugural fair was initiated by well-known Graaff-Reinet resident Carol-ann van Jaarsveld, and run by the Reformed Church.
As the collection of vintage and classic cars was such an integral part of the last fair (and promises to be even more so this time), the Church and Midland Car Club have joined forces to spread the organisational load. Both organisations will thus benefit from the fair.
The Collection Fair will feature exhibits of a wide range of collections, and if the first one is anything to go by, there will be some fascinating and quirky exhibits - and exhibitors. The first one attracted 33 different collections, and this time the organisers aim to double that number, attracting collectors from further afield as well as those local folk who missed out last time. For the Classic and Vintage Car Show, the aim is for 180 cars to be displayed. The Southern Cape Car Club will also be attending with about 27 cars, and from Graaff-Reinet, they will set off on their annual Heritage Tour.
"Laer Volkskool is the ideal venue with the school hall, the square, Kewertjie, parking area and rugby fields" enthused Carol-ann.
There will also be a car boot sale, where anything and everything (except food) may be sold, by businesses or private individuals. The cost for a stand for this is R50.
There will be no charge for exhibitors of collections, nor for stands in the car show.
People with well- preserved or restored cars older than 30 years will be very welcome to bring along their vehicles, and those with collections of any kind are invited to share their hobbies at the fair. Collectors will be permitted to sell at the fair, and there is no restriction as far as different people displaying collections of similar items. "What is so nice about two 'same' collections is that they can swop or sell some of the pieces to each other" said Carol-ann.
Charity groups and community organisations will be given preference for the food stalls, and any organisations such as churches, schools, and local charities should apply as soon as possible. The cost for a food stall will be R100.
Cash prizes of R5 000, R2 000 and R800 will be awarded to the collections chosen by the judges as the best three.
The entrance fee will be a modest R30 for adults, and R20 for children under 12.
Read a previous article: Collectors to convene at Botanics
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