Inglewood turns it on for Americarna | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

ONCE again the sun shone down on Inglewood’s Americarna event on February 24.
There was definitely a street party atmosphere in the town as the 600+ cars rolled their way into Rata Street.
Cars lined the street back to Shoprite and the railway yards were bursting at the seams.
It was fabulous to see so many stallholders and food vendors lining the footpaths, selling their wares.
Schools, pre and clubs were out in force to provide food and drinks to our friendly Americarna visitors.
The local cafes, restaurants and bars were overflowing.
This year was the biggest so far and the crowds were not disappointed, with many coming from Stratford and surrounding areas.
Comments such as, “what a hidden treasure Inglewood is,” were common.
The event is organised each year by a small but dedicated committee of local people who understand just what Americarna means to Inglewood.
“Having Americarna come to Inglewood three years in a row has been a real testament to the community, most of which get right in behind,” it says Derek McInnes, chairperson of Inglewood First Trust.
“We brainstorm ideas and ways of making it better and then put a plan in place to raise funds. The Taranaki Electricity Trust provides these funds, and without their support we could not hold such events.
“I don’t think that we should burden the local business with having to pay for such an event. This is about us helping to bring the event to Inglewood with the support of John Rae and his team.
According to Derek, it’s then up to the community to make the most of it.
“There was an estimated spend back into the community of $20,000. This is based on very conservative numbers.
“For example if there were 600 cars, each with only two occupants and each person only spending $10, that alone is still worth $12,000.
“When Americarna returns in 2012 you can be assured we will want to be there also. It has the potential to be huge for us,” he says.