The World’s Largest Truckstop celebrated America’s truckers last week with 44,233 drivers and their families, as well as local residents, during the 37th Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree.
Visitors came from 23 different states and three Canadian provinces to display their trucks. The Walcott Truckers Jamboree has been celebrating truckers, rain or shine, since 1979.
“My family has been serving the trucking industry for 52 years. We appreciate the hard work drivers do. The Jamboree is our way to say thank you.” Said Iowa 80’s Delia Moon Meier. “It is also an event that allows us to promote trucking to the general public.”
During the three days, guests enjoyed more than 150 exhibits; a Super Truck Beauty Contest with 65 contestants; a fantastic antique truck display with more than 150 vehicles; a delicious Iowa pork chop cookout; the Trucker Olympics; carnival games; and free concerts.
Clare Dunn performed Thursday night, courtesy of CAT Scale, and had the crowd going crazy with her high energy show. Country music icon Sammy Kershaw hit the stage on Friday night to a crowd of thousands, presented by Mobil Delvac. Both Thursday night and Friday night included fireworks displays, a truck light show and tons of fun. Saturday afternoon, driver favourite Lindsay Lawler hit the stage honouring drivers with many of her songs just prior to the Super Truck Beauty Contest awards ceremony.
“The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is a celebration of everything trucking,” said Heather DeBaillie, Iowa 80 Truckstop’s marketing director. “Everything we have comes on a truck. The jamboree gives us an opportunity to say a big ‘Thank you’ to the professional drivers who deliver those goods.”
Iowa 80 Trucking Museum also celebrated the 100th birthday of its 1916 Mack AC last week during the Walcott Truckers Jamboree with birthday cake and balloons at the museum.
Next year’s Walcott Truckers Jamboree will be held July 13-15, 2017.
