Shannon’s City Cruise success

REV HEADS and car collectors took to the streets of Geelong for Shannon’s City Cruise last weekend.

More than 300 vehicles met at Kardinia Park on December 12 for the re-imagined City Cruise presented by the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival.

This year the annual cruise was implemented with COVIDSafe guidelines including social distancing measures and event goers being encouraged to stay in their car at each checkpoint.

“The event cruise route was kept a secret due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements. The start point was only released to entrants the day before the event,” organiser Chris Sager said.

The fate of the City Cruise came into question with many doubting it would be able to go ahead after the cancellation of the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival.

City Cruise organisers said necessary precautions were discussed and implemented to ensure the motor community could still come together and celebrate what has been one of the toughest years to date.

Traditionally the famous City Cruise has marked the opening of the annual motoring festival but due to COVID-19 the decision to cancel the event was reached to ensure the public’s safety.

The 2020 COVIDSafe event was designed as a secret treasure hunt with participants receiving hints at the first checkpoint with further clues later provided.

To keep engagement high, participants were encouraged to dress to impress in attire matching the era of their contemporary and exotic vehicles.

Participants had the opportunity to win big by posting photos of the cruise at each check point to social media.

The cruise involved a leisurely drive through the streets, transforming the city into a sea of expensive and highly desired vehicles.

With a shift to digital, the focus of this year’s event was on the livestream to YouTube.

More than 2,700 people tuned into the two-hour livestream showcasing Geelong’s classic motor event with special commentary included.

The free event was sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance and the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival.

Shannon’s City Cruise does not allow hooning with responsible driving practiced by the participants throughout the event.