The 2021 Manilla Vintage Machinery Rally was described by the group’s president Tim Scanlon as one of the best.
“With no rally last year (2020) due to Coronavirus it was good to get back to normal and it was very pleasing for myself and hard working committee to see a big turnout of exhibitors and spectators” said Tim.
The 31st Manilla Vintage Machinery Rally and Swap Meet was held on the showground on Saturday and Sunday in cool and overcast weather conditions.
The weekend weather was in stark contrast to last Thursday when the thermometer struggled to get to seven degrees with light snow falling on the higher peaks to our east and north.
The annual street parade on Saturday morning again attracted a lot of interest as machines of all ages, shapes and sizes made their way from the showground to the main street for a lap then back to the showground.
The featured brand of machinery at this years rally was the ‘Lanz Bulldog’ Tractor with the oldest exhibit being 90 years old.
The showground was a hive of activity with many vintage cars, trucks and tractors on display and old engines chugging away under the watchful eye of their owners.
Also attracting a lot of interest was the tractor pull on the eastern side of the grounds.
Catering for the weekend on the showground was provided by the Manilla Soccer Club, Lions and CWA Evening Branch.
The Swap Meet on the southern end of the showground attracted around 30 stallholders and they were well supported by those attending the rally weekend.
Accommodation and businesses in town were also well supported over the weekend with many staying two nights to take in the vintage machinery rally and also see what the Manilla district has to offer.
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Lanz Bull Dog 
created by dji camera 
Former resident Robert Newbigging (now of Telegraph Point) with his 1899 Wolf steam engine – which attracted a lot of interest. 
created by dji camera