ACMshow
report
42of anticipation, as Keith and Denise
oversaw the arrival of products and
services, all specially brought in for
the event. The quiet of the afternoon
was occasionally interrupted by
the distinct rumble of V8, and as
nightfall came, car owners mixed with
holidaymakers at the various bars
and eateries at Cofton for a relaxing
evening. Eventually, some made their
way to the ‘Disco Bar’ area, whilst
others turned their thoughts to an
early night and considered what might
be in store for the days ahead.
Friday started early with a meeting
on the show field. Greeting us was
the most enormous marquee, which
the fun-loving Can-Am team went
about dressing for the occasion.
Bunting, flags and decoration of all
sorts decked the marquee, and soon
it started looking rather welcoming.
As the team cheerfully worked
away on the show field, more of
that V8 thunder could be heard as
car owners began to arrive on site.
Even being some distance from
the main entrance, the deep echoes
sent a tingle of excitement. The show
had begun...
Friday afternoon was all about
setting up, and receiving cars. The
show field was a hive of activity, with
barrels of beer being prepared, bars set
up, barbecues and burners made ready,
and stages being set by the Cofton
team. As static caravans became
occupied by American car owners,
the narrow streets outside took on a
look of American suburbia, with rows
of Yanks parked outside single-storeydwellings. Come 5pm, the show was
officially opened. It seemed to take a
while for the holidaymakers to realise
what was happening, but when they
did they were really quite excited, and
full of enthusiasm.
A mixture of live and recorded
music filled the air, together with the
smell of freshly prepared food. Wine
by the bottle, fine ales and local draft
ciders were all on offer, all of which
set the mood for the evening. As day
turned to night, live performances
of Rock’n’Roll favourites filled the
marquee, now quite full. There was
dancing on the main stage, dancing
outside too around the picnic tables,
and people having a great time
wherever you looked. And as night
picked out the twinkling festival
lamps reflecting in the chrome of the
American cars, one could be forgiven
for thinking that this could easily have
been an American movie set. All too
soon the evening came to an end. It
had been a fantastic first day with
some 350+ people on the show field,
joining in with the fun and festivities.
Could it get better?
Saturday, July 4th, Independence
Day afternoon was all about the cruise
out from Cofton, taking in Teignmouth,
Dawlish, and parking up at Dawlish
Warren Nature Reserve. Cars gathered
on the Cofton show field expectantly,
as the sun complemented all the
cleaning that had obviously taken
place in readiness for the gathering.
All the cars looked beautiful, and were
splendidly turned out.
From the outset the marshalling,laid on by Cofton Holidays, was first
class, especially impressive as this was
their first time at cruise control! There
were bodies in hi-vis jackets at all the
major junctions, seeing us through
built up areas, and directing where
needed. In all, we were 42 cars strong,
quite a sight as we wound our way
through the small villages and coastal
routes, heading towards Dawlish.
Wherever there were people, we
were met with smiles, waves and
cheers. People ‘high-fived’ us at
junctions, shouting approvingly as the
convoy snaked its way through town.
As cruises go, this was a great one.
Special arrangements had been made
with local authorities for us to park up
at Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve, a
lovely place, right on the coast, with
spectacular views out to sea and with
a funfair backdrop. Upon arrival we
were met by our marshals, who parked
us up neatly for public viewing and
stayed with the cars as drivers enjoyed
the seaside facilities at The Warren.
The nature reserve area very quickly
filled with people, anxious to get a
better look at the parade, and soon
there were hundreds milling about
enjoying the cars, the sunshine, the
seaside, and one another.
The return cruise to Cofton, full of
more waves and smiles, brought to an
end our three hour excursion. What
a fabulous way to enjoy and share
our hobby this day had been. Some
car owners said it was the best cruise
they’d ever been a part of. Craig of
Devon Cruisers, and Can-Am member
Alan Braund, did a fabulous job ofcan am.indd 42 21/09/2015 11:42:57