Iowa 80 Says Thanks

This year the Walcott Truckers Jamboree celebrated 40 years in a big way! I’ve watched this “Thank You” from the Moon family grow since 1990, when I attended my first truck show, right here in Walcott. As I sat there this week, I couldn’t help but think about the friendships and good times we’ve had at what many of us over the years think of as our family reunion. Most of the time, this would be the only time we would see each other until the next year.

[Show slideshow]

At this year’s show, there were more than 120 vendors registered and displaying at their designated booths. The vendors included truck dealers, truck manufacturers, truck and trade magazines, insurance brokers, leasing and finance, trucks parts, chrome shops, specialty parts, cleaning and detailing supplies, trucking related organizations, trucking companies seeking drivers, accessories and so on. In addition to the vendor booths, there was also an antique truck display, a truck beauty contest, special exhibits, an Iowa pork chop cookout, carnival games, live country music (Sawyer Brown was the featured artist on Friday evening), fun Trucker Olympics, fireworks, FREE admission and parking, and so much more.

This is a show where suggestions to improve are taken very seriously, and often become reality. Last year, for the first time ever, they used the Trucker’s Choice award winner from 2017 (Brian and Teresa Dreher’s orange and blue Peterbilt) and made souvenir diecast trucks. They also used a picture of the truck and trailer on the t-shirts and other Jamboree swag, and it was a rousing success – thus, a new tradition began. This year it was an honor for last year’s choice, John Jaikes’ purple KW, to be the featured diecast truck and on t-shirts, hats and other cool stuff. And, because of this, there was a whole lot of purple walking around this year.

We would like to congratulate this year’s Trucker’s Choice – Dan Brubaker of Sigourney, IA and his beautiful baby blue and white “Opening Act” 2003 Peterbilt 379. Enjoy the experience Dan, they work with you to get the detail as close as possible. Looking forward to seeing it next year and adding another diecast truck to our collection.

At this show, instead of paying an entry fee, you receive a 10% discount on everything including food, chrome, pork chop dinners and showers – you even get a free goodie bag. The weather was finally nice and judging on Thursday was done under sunny skies with a nice breeze. The light show that night, along with the fireworks, was spectacular. There were 76 trucks that entered this year, which included 42 combos.

During the light show, John nudged me and said, “He just proposed” – and he was right! In a blaze of lights from John’s purple Kenworth, Danny Vela got down on one knee and asked Shelby Miller to marry him. Of course, she said yes! When I asked the couple, “Why here?” Danny told me that purple is Shelby’s favorite color, so John’s truck and trailer was the perfect backdrop. Danny’s mom Carol Vela was there with the couple and she had no idea that he was about to propose. The couple has set a date of 10/10/20. Congratulations!

Su Schmerheim and her trucking cat Jake (he even has his name on the door, his own brag board and Facebook page) came to Walcott for the first time. I can never remember a horse trailer being at this show and sitting in the first spot, but here it was. Su opened her custom 15-horse trailer and had an awesome display of “everything horse” inside, while Jake (the cat) was in his playpen with a liner on the bottom that becomes cool when he sits or lays on it. Even in the heat, Su put on her entire riding outfit for judging. Chatting with people, Su answered all their questions and was a great ambassador for the horse and trucking industry. Her deliveries go to farms, and she can get in some pretty dirty spots, but she worked hard to clean her black and gold 2008 Kenworth T-800 “Princess” up and make her shine.

Another first timer to Walcott was Eva Knelson, who was doing double duty, having her pink KW truck “Ken Worth” in the show and having a booth selling t-shirts (she donates the proceeds to three causes). Eva was our Trucker Talk feature in February 2019 (Pretty in Pink). It takes a real man to wear pink, and I have to say Eva had “Ken” on the Best Dressed List when she won her class. Trembling and crying when she walked up to get that well-deserved 1st place trophy, Eva was sporting her favorite Breast Cancer Pink Nine West heels. Running Canada and the western U.S. in the winter, it’s a big job to clean a truck like hers up to show after hauling in those conditions, but she did it.

Not her first time there, our friend Cathy Sherman was at Walcott with her beautiful blue Mack Anthem. Cathy worked hard to get her rig cleaned up, and really enjoyed getting to visit with old friends and participating in the pet contest with her miniature schnauzer LJ (LJ took home the trophy for Best Dressed Trucker Pet and, together, Cathy and LJ won the Pet Look Alike award). If you know Cathy, it was no surprise that they won wearing Green Bay Packer garb. Cathy’s hard work paid off when she took home 3rd place in her class.

Ken Matuszak was there with his famous last Marmon. The last of these hand-built trucks, Ken watched her being built and drove her out of the building and has held on to her as the only owner all these years. I want to say a big thank you to John Jaikes, Heather De Baillie and Carl Carstens with Rockwood. They had a trophy specially-made for me being Iowa 80’s Biggest Cheerleader.

When our photographer friend Warren Aitken of Australia asked which shows he should attend here in the States this year, we told him Reno and Walcott. And neither show disappointed! Warren brought his father-in-law Bill along, who was traveling outside of Australia for the first time. They had a great time working, shooting some awesome trucks, and then did a little sightseeing on the side after the work was done. They had never heard of ice cream cake, and we were more than happy to introduce it to them with John’s birthday cake from the Dairy Queen in the truck stop.

Over the past year or so, I’ve been talking to old friends, asking them to come to Walcott so we could all get together one more time. It was awesome to see everyone that was able to attend. We had our little get together at the Truck Museum, which, when you think about it, is pretty fitting. Chuck Kemner was excited to be back in Walcott, and brought some shirts celebrating the 24th anniversary of the National Association of Show Trucks (NAST). This organization was formed in the banquet room of the restaurant here 24 years ago! We learned a lot this year, and hope to be better organized next year, and to have even more people be able to attend.

Just a few days before the show, Martha Hostetler had the idea to have t-shirts made to support Daryl Kauffman, the owner of D Bar D Trucking out of Shipshewana, IN. Daryl missed his first Jamboree in 20 years due to fighting cancer. Friends wore the maroon shirts on Saturday that said #KauffmanStrong in simple white letters, and they raised $709 from donations to get a shirt.

This is and always will be a family event. There is a billboard near the exit that says, “Thank You for Supporting Our Family Business,” and the billboard over the show grounds says, “We Are Glad You Are Here!” Well, from all of us that have enjoyed this show for years, we are glad to be here, too! And the winners were:

WORKING CABOVER: Matt Schleuger, Wesley, IA – 1993 Kenworth K100 E.

WORKING COMPANY TRUCK (BOBTAIL): 1st James Shelley, Wharton, TX – 2018 Peterbilt (The Patriot); 2nd Ronnie Hurley, Wyoming, MI – 2020 Kenworth 990 (Frost): 3rd Harry Jaycox & Amanda Palm, Bellevue, OH – 2019 International LT (Snowflake).

WORKING COMPANY TRUCK (COMBO): 1st Pam Cox, Pandora, OH – 2016 Peterbilt & 2018 Wilson; 2nd JD Walker, Mendon, IL – 2020 Western Star & 2018 Hyundai (Unforgotten); 3rd Michael VanNess, Georgetown, IL – 2018 Peterbilt & 2019 Walker (Nancy Mae).

WORKING TRUCK (SPECIALTY): Jake Robak, Long Praire, MN – 2006 Peterbilt 379 (End of Watch).

RAT ROD: Danny Autullo, Monee, IL – 1993 Peterbilt 379 (Lawless).

WORKING BOBTAIL CONVENTIONAL (2019-2016): 1st Rollie Kruse, Toronto, SD – 2019 Peterbilt 389; 2nd Mark Cielke, Haugan, MT – 2017 Kenworth W900 (Road King); 3rd Cathy Sherman, Coloma, WI – 2020 Mack Anthem (Baby Bulldog).

WORKING BOBTAIL CONVENTIONAL (2015-2009): 1st Paul Saline, Rio, IL – 2009 Kenworth W900L (Satisfaction); 2nd Nick Kaufmann, Ramsey, MN – 2013 Kenworth W900L (Ruby).

WORKING BOBTAIL CONVENTIONAL (2008-2002): 1st Duane & Cindy Anwiler, Pingree, ND – 2003 Peterbilt 379 (Razzberrys & Chrome); 2nd Shawn Swanson, Prophetstown, IL – 2002 Kenworth W900B (Pure Attitude); 3rd Bret Chastain, Flora, IN – 2005 Mack CXN 613 (Every Dog Has Its Day).

WORKING BOBTAIL CONVENTIONAL (2001-1995): 1st Chris Gornik, Franklin Park, IL – 1999 Kenworth W900 (Mad Max); 2nd Ken Matuszak, Melissa, TX – 1997 Marmon PHR 125 (The Last Marmon); 3rd Randy Yearton, Monroe Center, IL – 1997 Kenworth W900L (Pinky).

WORKING BOBTAIL CONVENTIONAL (1994 & OLDER): 1st Phil Swanson, Sherburn, MN – 1985 Peterbilt 359; 2rd Terry Hockaday, Port Byron, IL – 1988 Peterbilt 379; 3rd Johnny Payton, Jeffersonville, OH – 1993 Peterbilt 389.

WORKING COMBO (2019-2014): 1st Eva Knelsen, Rodney, Ontario, Canada – 2018 Kenworth W900 (Ken Worth); 2nd Brian Dreher, Campbellsport, WI – 2016 Peterbilt 389 & 2017 Great Dane ($$$); 3rd Jamie Adkins, Swan, IA – 2020 Peterbilt & 2020 XL.

WORKING COMBO (2013-2005): 1st Shawn Cielke, Haugan, MT – 2005 Kenworth T600 & 2017 Wabash (Redneck Low); 2nd Michael & Jackie Wallace, Ashville, AL – 2007 Freightliner Coronado & 2014 Great Dane (Semper Fi); 3rd Brandon Peachey, Mifflinburg, PA – 2000 Kenworth W900L & 2015 Eby.

WORKING COMBO (2004 & OLDER): 1st John Jaikes & Kim Grimm, Nanticoke, PA – 1999 Kenworth W900L & 2005 Utility (Only Class); 2nd Daniel & Phyllis Snow, Harrison, AR – 1996 Freightliner Classic XL & 2019 Utility (The Goose); 3rd Gary Jones Jr, Lawson, MO – 1999 Peterbilt 379 & 2019 Globe (Excessive Behavior II).

SHOW CLASS: 1st Dan Brubaker, Sigourney, IA – 2003 Peterbilt 379 (Opening Act); 2nd Ron Baird, Thorntown, IN – 2000 Peterbilt 379 (Hoffman’s Hot Rod); 3rd David McKinney, Lexington, AL – 2016 Peterbilt 389 & 2019 Reitnouer (Part-Time).

CUSTOM PAINT (BOBTAIL): 1st Ron Brubaker, Sigourney, IA – 1993 Peterbilt 379 (One of a Kind); 2nd Dan Brubaker, Sigourney, IA – 2003 Peterbilt 379 (Opening Act); 3rd Ron Baird, Thorntown, IN – 2000 Peterbilt 379 (Hoffman’s Hot Rod).

CUSTOM PAINT (COMBO): 1st Brian Dreher, Campbellsport, WI – 2016 Peterbilt 389 & 2017 Great Dane ($$$); 2nd David McKinney, Lexington, AL – 2016 Peterbilt 389 & 2019 Reitnouer (Part-Time); 3rd Gary Jones Jr, Lawson, MO – 1999 Peterbilt 379 & 2019 Globe (Excessive Behavior II).

CUSTOM GRAPHICS (BOBTAIL): 1st Jake Robak, Long Praire, MN – 2006 Peterbilt 379 (End of Watch); 2nd James Shelley, Wharton, TX – 2018 Peterbilt (The Patriot); 3rd Ronnie Hurley, Wyoming, MI – 2020 Kenworth 990 (Frost).

CUSTOM GRAPHICS (COMBO): 1st Keith Williams, Indianapolis, IN – 2018 Volvo VN760 & 2018 Utility (USA); 2nd Raymond Taulbee, Elk Grove Village, IL – 2019 Volvo 760 & 2019 Utility (Betsy); 3rd Eva Knelsen, Rodney, Ontario, Canada – 2018 Kenworth W900 (Ken Worth).

POLISH & DETAIL (BOBTAIL): 1st Paul Saline, Rio, IL – 2009 Kenworth W900L (Satisfaction); 2nd Shawn Swanson, Prophetstown, IL – 2002 Kenworth W900B (Pure Attitude); 3rd Ron Brubaker, Sigourney, IA – 1993 Peterbilt 379 (One of a Kind).

POLISH & DETAIL (COMBO): 1st Brian Dreher, Campbellsport, WI – 2016 Peterbilt 389 & 2017 Great Dane ($$$); 2nd John Jaikes & Kim Grimm, Nanticoke, PA – 1999 Kenworth W900L & 2005 Utility (Only Class); 3rd Daniel & Phyllis Snow, Harrison, AR – 1996 Freightliner Classic XL & 2019 Utility (The Goose).

INTERIOR OEM SLEEPER (BOBTAIL): 1st Jake Robak, Long Praire, MN – 2006 Peterbilt 379 (End of Watch); 2nd Shawn Swanson, Prophetstown, IL – 2002 Kenworth W900B (Pure Attitude); 3rd Paul Saline, Rio, IL – 2009 Kenworth W900L (Satisfaction).

INTERIOR OEM SLEEPER (COMBO): 1st Brian Dreher, Campbellsport, WI – 2016 Peterbilt 389 & 2017 Great Dane ($$$); 2nd Shawn Cielke, Haugan, MT – 2005 Kenworth T600 & 2017 Wabash (Redneck Low); 3rd John Jaikes & Kim Grimm, Nanticoke, PA – 1999 Kenworth W900L & 2005 Utility (Only Class).

INTERIOR OEM CONVERSION SLEEPER: 1st Chris Gornik, Franklin Park, IL – 1999 Kenworth W900 (Mad Max); 2nd Ron Baird, Thorntown, IN – 2000 Peterbilt 379 (Hoffman’s Hot Rod); 3rd James Shelley, Wharton, TX – 2018 Peterbilt (The Patriot).

INTERIOR CUSTOM SLEEPER: 1st Daniel & Phyllis Snow, Harrison, AR – 1996 Freightliner Classic XL & 2019 Utility (The Goose); 2nd Ron Brubaker, Sigourney, IA – 1993 Peterbilt 379 (One of a Kind); 3rd Michael & Jackie Wallace, Ashville, AL – 2007 Freightliner Coronado & 2014 Great Dane (Semper Fi).

LIGHTS AT NIGHT BOBTAIL (ROAD LEGAL): 1st Dan Brubaker, Sigourney, IA – 2003 Peterbilt 379 (Opening Act); 2nd Rob Homan, Celina, OH – 1983 Peterbilt 359; 3rd Shawn Swanson, Prophetstown, IL – 2002 Kenworth W900B (Pure Attitude).

LIGHTS AT NIGHT BOBTAIL (SHOW ONLY): 1st James Shelley, Wharton, TX – 2018 Peterbilt (The Patriot); 2nd Ron Baird, Thorntown, IN – 2000 Peterbilt 379 (Hoffman’s Hot Rod); 3rd Danny Autullo, Monee, IL – 1993 Peterbilt 379 (Lawless).

LIGHTS AT NIGHT COMBO (ROAD LEGAL): 1st Mike Sercombe, Jackson, MI – 2015 Peterbilt 389 & 2019 XL; 2nd Shawn Cielke, Haugan, MT – 2005 Kenworth T600 & 2017 Wabash (Redneck Low); 3rd Jay Blackbourn, Fennimore, WI – 2016 Peterbilt 389 & 2018 MAC LTT (Haulin’ A).

LIGHTS AT NIGHT COMBO (SHOW ONLY): 1st Gary Jones Jr, Lawson, MO – 1999 Peterbilt 379 & 2019 Globe (Excessive Behavior II); 2nd Michael & Jackie Wallace, Ashville, AL – 2007 Freightliner Coronado & 2014 Great Dane (Semper Fi); 3rd Dave Schroyer, Celina, OH – 2013 Peterbilt 389 & 2013 Landoll.

LIGHTS AT NIGHT (SPECIALTY): Jake Robak, Long Praire, MN – 2006 Peterbilt 379 (End of Watch).

BEST OVERALL THEME: Keith Williams, Indianapolis, IN – 2018 Volvo VN760 & 2018 Utility (USA).

TRUCKER’S CHOICE: Dan Brubaker, Sigourney, IA – 2003 Peterbilt 379 (Opening Act).