The World’s Largest Truckstop celebrated America’s truckers last week in a big way with The 34th Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree.  Held July 11-13, the event hosted nearly 40,000 drivers and their families as well as local residents.  Visitors came from 19 different states and Canada to display their trucks.

During the three days, guests enjoyed over 175 exhibits; a Super Truck Beauty Contest with 58 contestants; a fantastic antique truck display with over 150 vehicles; delicious Iowa pork chop cookout; Trucker Olympics; Carnival Games; and music all three days.  An energetic concert by Nashville singer/songwriter and Truckload Carriers’ Highway Angel Spokesperson Lindsay Lawler, courtesy of CAT Scale, kept folks tappin’ their feet on Thursday night.  Friday night Mobil Delvac presented Blackberry Smoke in concert to a crowd of thousands. Both Thursday night and Friday night included fireworks displays, a truck light show and loads of fun!

“The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is a celebration of trucking,” said Heather DeBaillie, Iowa 80 Truckstop’s marketing director. “It is how we say thank you to the thousands of men and women who work hard to deliver the goods we need.  The Jamboree is also a good opportunity for us to showcase the trucking industry to the general public.”

The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum hosted a party of its own on July 12th to celebrate the 100th birthday of its 1913 Rambler Truck in the museum’s collection.  “This Rambler was a plumber’s truck and had been used locally for years.  When we purchased it the truck needed a lot of work done.  Once we were able to get the truck running the original owner’s son came out and were able to give him a ride in it.” said Dave Meier, museum curator.  “He told us stories about how he used to help his dad on plumbing jobs back in the 1920s.” Hundreds joined in the celebration that included a birthday 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, Iowa 80 Truckstop Senior Vice President.

Next year’s Walcott Truckers Jamboree will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 10-12, 2014 and also marks the 50^th Anniversary of Iowa 80 Truckstop.