29th Annual Walcott Jamboree kicks off Thursday

The truck beauty show and contest is a draw for the Jamboree each year. (The Trucker file photo)

The Trucker News Services

7/7/2008

WALCOTT, Iowa — The 29th Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree kicks off Thursday at Iowa 80 Truckstop on Interstate 80 at Exit 284 at Walcott.

The event runs through Friday.

Over 200 exhibits, a Super Truck Beauty Contest, antique truck display, Iowa pork chop cookout, Trucker’s Best Friend Pet Contest, Trucker Olympics, carnival games, live bands and fireworks display are featured at this year’s event.

Admission and parking are free with shuttles provided from the parking area.

During this year’s event, Iowa 80 will be celebrating the completion of the new Iowa 80 Trucking Museum Visitor’s Center.

A ribbon cutting is schedule for Thursday at 2 p.m.

“We are very excited about the museum expansion. The addition of the Visitor’s Center includes a welcoming entrance, more exhibit space, a movie theater and restrooms,” Delia Moon Meier, senior vice president, said.

The Walcott Truckers Jamboree began in 1979 featuring a few exhibits, live music, food and a small display of antique trucks.

Meier said the first Jamboree only attracted a few hundred drivers, a far cry from the 30,000 it attracts today.

Even though the size of the Jamboree has changed over the years, the focus hasn’t, Meier said, noting that celebrating America’s truckers is what the event is all about.

“It is Iowa 80’s way of thanking drivers for all of their hard work and dedication in hauling America’s freight,” Meier said. “The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is our way of saying thank you to drivers for the work they do to deliver the goods we need. It is also a great opportunity for those interested in trucks and trucking to get a close-up look at some of the most fantastic trucks.”

For more information go here.