Food, Music and a Lots of Trucks

WALCOTT, IOWA —   The World’s Largest Truckstop celebrated America’s truckers last week in a big way with The 32nd Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree.  Held July 14-15, the event hosted nearly 30,000 drivers and their families as well as local residents.  Visitors came from 23 different states and Canada.

During the two days, guests enjoyed over 175 exhibits; a Super Truck Beauty Contest with 59 contestants; a fantastic antique truck display with over 200 vehicles; delicious Iowa pork chop cookout; Trucker Olympics; Carnival Games; an energetic concert by country legend Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, sponsored part by Mobil Delvac; a fireworks display and loads of fun!

“The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is truly a celebration of trucking,” said Heather DeBaillie, Oak Grove 70’s marketing director. “It is an opportunity for us to say thank you to drivers who work hard to deliver the goods we need; as well as showcase the trucking industry to the general public.”

The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum hosted a party of its own on July 15th to celebrate the 100th birthday of  a 1911 Walker Electric Truck in the museum’s collection.  “Many people think that electric vehicles are a new phenomenon,” said Dave Meier, museum curator.  “This truck shows people that the technology has been around for over 100 years.” Hundreds joined in the celebration that included “Happy Birthday” being sung by trucking’s favorite singer/songwriter Leland Martin; as well as cake and balloons.

The Walcott Truckers Jamboree has been celebrating truckers, rain or shine, since 1979.   “We hope the Walcott Truckers Jamboree is an event that encourages drivers to celebrate the important job they do.  We certainly appreciate the professional driver and this is the perfect chance for us to say thank you,” says Delia Moon Meier, Oak Grove 70 Senior Vice President.

Next year’s Walcott Truckers Jamboree will be held Thursday and Friday, July 12 & 13, 2012.