Massive Turnout Expected For Crank Up Day 2023

Crank Up Day 2023 is getting close and it’s the big weekend of the year that puts Edendale on the map.

New Zealand’s biggest annual vintage machinery weekend will be celebrating 35 years this Friday and Saturday, and it also co-incides with the 120-year anniversary of the International Harvester Company.

Held by the Edendale Vintage Machinery Club, convenor Ken Bell said the weekend is filled with a mix of restored vintage machines, food and craft stalls, children’s entertainment, steam engines and vintage cars.

The event starts with a street parade on the Friday night at 7pm and continues into Saturday and Sunday at the Edendale Recreation Showgrounds, with two days of family fun.

Kenworth Trucks will also celebrate 100 years in 2023, Chevrolet 110 years and Mack Trucks 50 years of being assembled in New Zealand.

At least 35 Mack trucks and a further 35 Kenworth trucks would be on show, including a very rare Mack truck from Christchurch – a 1960 H67.

“That’s an attraction in itself,” he said.

FENZ has advised this week of a total fire ban across the district which means strictly no smoking on site.

“People need to be very aware of fire safety.”

The event was last held in 2021 because of Covid-19 restrictions in early 2022.