Lynne Mowbray | Over 150 recreational vehicles (RVs) from around Australia will converge on Grafton during the last week in October, for the 13th annual Jacaranda RV rally. The RV event is based at the Grafton Greyhound Club and Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC), grounds. This year’s RV rally, which is hosted by the Clarence Valley Ramblers RV club, is one of the biggest events yet, with 270 people registered so far. Registration numbers have already beaten last year’s record year, by 30. Coordinator for the CVR RV rally 2018, Lorraine Seale, said that the weeklong event is a boost for the Clarence Valley’s local economy. “Last year we estimated that over $100,000 was spent in the local community during the event, Ms Seale said. “At the end of each day, members put their receipts from purchases made throughout the valley that day, into a barrel and we draw one out for a bottle of wine. So this is how we know how much is spent locally. “During the week we have bus tours throughout the Clarence valley, showcasing many parts of the valley; so the whole valley benefits from the tourist dollar. “We also send a free bus to the CBD every day which runs from 8.30am until 2pm, with up to 90 people attending different pubs and clubs, for lunch each day. “On Jacaranda Thursday afternoon we hold a fund raiser event for the Westpac Life Saving Rescue Helicopter Appeal. “This year it will start at 1.30pm featuring an enactment by the SES on what to do in a ‘first response’, in a car crash scenario, involving both onlookers and victims. “Our visitors are on the road a lot, so we need to educate them, and this scenario has a connection with the Westpac Helicopter. “After this we have a two part ‘op-shop fashion parade’ with a chap from Victoria singing in the intermission. The dress-up theme is red and yellow, or a rescue theme with bandages, bandaids and breaks. “During the week, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) will hold open forums for the people of the Clarence speaking on a wide range of road issues including ‘road safety for older road users’, ‘overcoming tiredness while travelling’ and ‘road regulations’. “On the Tuesday night October 30 the official Jacaranda Party will attend a ‘purple party people’ themed evening with comedy trio, the Three Randy Poets who will entertain everyone on the night. “There will also be two camp oven demonstrations; cooking a baked dinner and damper, scones and desserts,” she said. The annual, weeklong event is a must on the grey nomad’s calendar; with many RV travellers returning each year for a fun filled Jacaranda experience in the Clarence Valley. For more information about this year’s rally, contact: Lorraine Seale, coordinator, CVR Jacaranda RV Rally, 2018 Mobile: 0437 047 440 Email: cvrjaca@gmail.com Website: www.jacaranda.net.au