The latest casualty of COVID restrictions is the McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic, held annually in April.

The event was expecting more than 500 vintage and classic motor vehicles to parade along the streets of McLaren Vale on 3 April, with a charity dinner on 1 April.  

Trevor Sharp, Chairman of the organising committee, released a statement on Tuesday 18 January.

"It is with great disappointment that after an amazing amount of work by our team, we announce the cancellation of McLaren Vale Vintage & Classic 2022, including the charity dinner.

“The V&C committee has agonised over this decision and considered all options but feel that we would not be able to meet the stringent requirements of a COVID Management Plan for this event.

“We would like to sincerely thank all our volunteers, wineries, sponsors and entrants for their support in the past and those who had pledged support for this event. 

“We feel that the safety and well-being of everyone involved is of paramount importance, so we believe this is the best decision for all. 

“It is sad that this highly successful McLaren Vale event, fostered by the McLaren Vale Business & Tourism Association for 16 years, has to be cancelled. 

“Over time this not-for-profit charity event has raised thousands of dollars for McLaren Vale & District War Memorial Hospital, local CFS Brigades and more recently the Southern Koala Rescue.

“We hope that any inconvenience to our participating wineries and sponsors is minimal. We feel that if we had continued with the planning of the event the impact on all would have been far greater.”

For those who have registered their vehicle in the parade, event organisers will be in contact in the coming days.