REPORT - 2023 Midstate Mopars
Words and Photos: Mike Ryan
One of the most popular events on the calendar for Victorian Chrysler owners and enthusiasts, Midstate Mopars was one of many events that suffered under COVID. In 2023, the event was back to its best.
For those unfamiliar with Midstate Mopars, it's a two-day, all-Chrysler event, hosted by the Central Victorian Chrysler Club Inc. and held annually on the Queen’s Birthday (now King’s Birthday!) long weekend in Bendigo.
Day 1 sees registered entrants partake in a cruise, followed by a dinner, live music and entertainment upon return to Bendigo.
Day 2 is the popular Show ‘n’ Shine that takes over the Town Hall Precinct in the centre of Bendigo. Filling the streets around the town hall with Chryslers, the Show ‘n’ Shine is open to the public and draws thousands of spectators. Despite being held in winter, the weather is usually dry and clear, if a bit cold!
Along with the cars, Day 2 also offers a swap meet, where all manner of Mopar-themed parts and other automotive goodies and collectables can be found.
Last year, food trucks were introduced to the Show ‘n’ Shine, making it a great day out for the family.
The annual event is supported by a number of local businesses and gives back to the Bendigo region, too, via donations to local charities.
“For the 15 years we’ve been running Midstate Mopars, we have donated over $66,000 to local and regional organisations,” said Brendan Ruiter of the Central Victorian Chrysler Club Inc. (CVCC).
The 2023 Show
This year’s Midstate Mopars, held on Saturday,10 June and Sunday, 11 June, marked the 16th edition of the event.
The cruise on Saturday saw around 70 registered entrants gather at Lake Weeroona on Bendigo’s outskirts for a 90-minute run to Daylesford, gathering at the Mill Markets in the popular Victorian weekend getaway spot.
With retro and vintage collectables galore at the Mill Markets, some of the cruise participants left with boots full of man cave essentials, while most of the cruise participants indulged in treats from the Mill Market’s excellent café.
Upon their return, cruise participants gathered at the All Seasons Bendigo for dinner, live music from local band Boots N All and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.
On Sunday, 11 June, it was time for the Show ‘n’ Shine. And while the clouds looked threatening, the day remained dry, with periods of sunshine, too.
A total of 246 official entrants in the Show ‘n’ Shine this year was on a par with pre-COVID numbers and included vehicles that had travelled from as far afield as New South Wales and South Australia.
At the swap meet, a dozen vendors had a variety of parts and collectables on offer, while the food trucks that were such a hit last year made their return, ensuring entrants and spectators alike had plenty to eat.
The variety of cars that turn up for the Show ‘n’ Shine means that trophies on the day are spread across 24 different categories, from the Aussie Charger and Chrysler series you’d expect to American A, B, C and E body Mopars, pre-’48 cars, commercials, unrestored cars, AMC, Centura/Simca. Galant/Hillman and the Councillor’s Choice (City of Greater Bendigo is one of the event’s many local sponsors), amongst others.
Adding More and Giving Back
Last year, the CVCC invited Cameron Tilley of the well-known – and very successful - Tilley Racing clan to meet fans, talk about racing his Valiant Pacer in the Touring Car Masters and discuss all other things Chrysler. Tilley couldn’t make it this year, as he was competing at Winton on the same weekend, so the club improvised.
“We discussed bringing Tilley to the show in a different way and decided to show him on the big screen outside the club merchandise tent. The people loved it!” Ruiter explained. “It was great to support Tilley and his crew and watch him race the big Valiant around Winton.”
A strong turnout of entrants in both the Show ‘n’ Shine and cruise this year enabled the CVCC to donate $4,500 to Bendigo region businesses and charities, including radio station Fresh FM, the Marong SES and Sunshine Bendigo, a local organisation that provides practical support for new families in financial hardship.
“Sunshine Bendigo are a volunteer group, based here and servicing central Victoria,” Ruiter explained. “They collect, sort and distribute essential new and pre-loved baby goods and nursery equipment to families in need.”
Roll on 2024
While the 2023 Midstate Mopars is run and done, the CVCC are looking forward to next year’s 17th edition, which will once again be held on the King’s Birthday long weekend.
To make more than a weekend of your time at Midstate Mopars, check out the Bendigo Tourism website –bendigotourism.com.au - for accommodation, food and wine offerings, events and other attractions in the region. For Midstate Mopar entrants, there’s a unique event code to access assistance with accommodation.
For more details on the 2024 Midstate Mopars, the Central Victorian Chrysler Club Inc’s Facebook page will post details as the event draws nearer.
Thanks to Brendan Ruiter from the Central Victorian Chrysler Club Inc., for assistance with this article.
