Truck show lowdown: Events bring out the shine on the trucking industry

TORONTO (June 10, 2002) — It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy, unless you’re a truck magazine editor. The next few months are busier than usual as we’re out rubbing shoulders with folks out there on the show circuit.

Here’s what’s happening this summer at some the larger shows still to come. A couple shows have come and gone, and this list will have missed some smaller, local events, so we invite you to tell us about them in advance or send us a report and maybe a photo or two after the fact (e-mail rolf@todaystrucking.com) for possible publication in highwaySTAR, our magazine for truck drivers. We’d love to give you a little “ink.” — Rolf Lockwood, editorial director

* Minden Kinsmen Truck Pull, ATV Pull and Show and Shine — June 15. Lawnmower races and an ATV pull? Here’s a one-day show that sounds like a pile of fun. They take their fun seriously in Minden, Ont., however, with a full card of truck pulls starting on Saturday afternoon, and the show and shine competition running most of the day. There’ll be a winner’s parade around the fair grounds late in the afternoon, and a big dance on Saturday night.

* Performance With Pride — June 21-23. This year’s event moves from Winnipeg to Brandon, Man., and features all the usual Show and Shine categories for you proud polishers, as well as a silent auction, activities for the kids, and a beer garden. There’s camping nearby, or you can book a motel with preferred rate for show participants. There are portable showers on site, too. Canadian country music star Duane Steele takes the stage at the Keystone Center following the light show event on Saturday night.

* Carp Valley Show & Shine — June 22, Carp Fairgrounds, Carp, Ont. Strawfest started as an agricultural and cattle show showcasing the talents of young farmers, and it’s become the largest annual truck show in Eastern Canada. Registration for the show and shine begins at 10:00 a.m.; the judging begins just after lunch. Entry fees are $25 per truck, with plenty of prizes and trophies to be carted home. The beer gardens open at noon, and a wrap-up dance featuring Ambush starts around 8:00 p.m.

* Fergus Truck Show — July 27-28, Fergus and District Community Fairgrounds, Fergus, Ont. The fun begins in Fergus with the official opening on Friday at 9:30 p.m. There will be live music from 6:00 p.m. ’till midnight, and all weekend long. Show judging begins at 9:30 a.m. sharp on Saturday. The light competition begins around 9:00 p.m. The trade show features dozens of exhibitors, and of course there’s the truck pull competition featuring all classes from stocks, super stocks, modifieds, and the class 8s. The prizes for the truck pulls and the show and shine are handed out on Sunday afternoon, followed by a concert featuring the Good Brothers.

* Rodéo du Camion — August 1-4, Notre Dame du Nord, Que. Now in its 22nd year, Rodeo du Camion remains one of the longest-running and most popular shows around. The unique hill climb event draws fans from around the world, and drivers from all over the region. Registration begins on Thursday, and is limited to 80 trucks, so get there soon. The show and shine judging takes place on Saturday afternoon with a light and sound competition on Saturday night. The midway/flea market opens up on Friday evening, and features live bands all weekend.

There’s a pair of other events that don’t quite fall into the same category but they’re worth noting. Truck racing is coming to Ontario at the Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand Bend, Ont., on Sept. 7. You’ll be able to race your own road tractor on a quarter-mile oval track if you don’t mind swapping paint. Otherwise, bring a racing truck to for the 2002 Big Rig Truck Race. It’s actually Canada’s largest drag racing facility, but on that day it’s going to be heavy trucks on a short oval. Racing will cover four classes: Big Rigs, Heavy Haulers, Super Duty and Tuff Trucks. Call Corey Jarvis at 519-857-9092 for more information. The event will also include a show and shine and a skills competition.

And while it’s not exactly a summer event, don’t forget that there will be a show and shine event again at Truck World 2002, the big trade show coming up in Toronto (Sept. 26-28 at the National Trade Centre on the CNE Grounds). Call the Ontario Trucking Association at 4160249-7401 for more information, or see www.truckworld.ca.

HighwaySTAR will be in evidence at all these shows, in a few cases as sponsors, so please don’t be shy. If you spot us, please come over and say hi. See you all out there!