Hooray for red, white and blue
Clockwise: Celine Toner and Doc Jeffries; Let’s Go Descarrego; Greg, Biggles, Tony, Kim, Tammy, Dee; Reg, Julie, Matina, Di, Bruce and Rob
A customer and his dog enjoying the music at BBC; Jacqui Asplin and Peter Jones; and Romy Stowers. Photo credits to Romy Stowers and Verna Carr
It’s your semi-quincentennial! 2026 marks 250 years since the United States declared its independence.
On 4 July, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing that the thirteen American colonies no longer considered themselves subjects of King George III and the British Crown.
Drafted largely by Thomas Jefferson, the document laid out the colonists’ grievances and put forward the now-universal idea that “all men are created equal,” entitled to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Two and a half centuries later, the fourth of July has become a cultural celebration of national pride, exported wherever Americans (and American enthusiasts) happen to gather – apparently including a small-town Irish pub eight thousand miles away.
Which brings us to our own corner of the world. Grace O’Malley’s Fourth of July celebration had all things USA: food, live music from Celine Toner and Doc Jefferies, and the local members of the American Muscle Street & Custom Cars club, who turned out in force – big-block V8s wrapped in chrome and attitude (the cars, that is, not the people). Members arrived in full American regalia, decked out in a colourful array of stars and stripes. Red, white, and blue were the order of the day, with a pint of Guinness on the side.
Parked outside was a collection of classic cars from the last century, back when cars were built to last, drive fast, and impress. It was a car lover’s dream – Camaros, Mustangs, Oldsmobiles, Corvettes, Cadillacs, Bel Airs, coupes of various brands – oh, be still my beating heart. These cars deserve respect, not just for the owners’ devotion to restoring them to original condition, but for the sheer cardio workout of polishing required to get them show-ready.
Four years ago, Reg Smith – local organiser of the American Muscle Street Custom Club, Whitianga – bought a 1957 Oldsmobile that had been written off. A keen enthusiast and handyman, Reg restored it back to its original condition. He says the club meets on the first Sunday of every month at Buffalo Beach, then members drive to a selected destination for lunch. Anyone with an interest in muscle cars, street/custom builds, or unusual vehicles is welcome to come along and meet like-minded people. The Whiti Beach Meet for 2027 is on 9 January at Buffalo Beach Reserve, with vehicles of all types, live music, entertainment, and food vendors, says Reg.
The Buffalo Beach Club was also festive with the USA red, white and blue for 4th July with American flags, Texas Pete BBQ, live music from Gabe of Hula Café, Leo Magri of Coromind, and local musician/songwriter, Stu Pedley getting people up to dance and enjoy.
