When we began doing truck shows seven years ago, the closest ones were like five hours away (Joplin or Rantoul). So, when we heard about the Laid Back on I-55 Truck Show in Perryville, MO, which is only about 30 minutes from where we live, we were stoked! Hosting a truck show was a lifelong dream of James Stegall, owner of Stegall’s Truck Shop. Well, in 2017 his dream became a reality. James’ Goddaughter Abigail was born with Downs Syndrome, and he wanted to honor her and raise money for the Downs Syndrome Association through his passion for trucks, and so this “laid back” event was born.
The 4th Annual Laid Back on I-55 Truck Show, held in the Downtown Square of Perryville, was held on August 20-21, 2021. Tiffany Rhoden, Abigail’s mother and fellow committee member said, “What we thought would just be having a few beers, listening to music, and hanging out with our trucker buddies that we randomly see throughout the year, turned into something way better over the last four years. We couldn’t be any more grateful for all our trucking families and sponsors for making this dream such a successful reality.”
Trucks begin rolling in on Friday afternoon, August 20th, and parking around the courthouse square and on the town’s main street. On Friday evening, a terrific Hank Williams Jr. tribute band called Sons of Bocephus played live music into the night, while all the trucks in attendance lit up the square with a spectacular display of lights.
Saturday, August 21st, was a busy but fun day. Filled with activities like a Corn Hole Tournament and a Kiddie Tractor Pull, great music also filled the air for most of the afternoon. At about 3:00 PM there was a live auction for the first three spots in the upcoming convoy around Perryville. The first spot went to Kranawetter Transport, the second one to Kip & Amanda Wolfmeier, and the third one to Cissell Transport. This auction alone raised $5,700 for the cause.
After the winners were awarded their trophies, the convoy concluded the two-day event. Despite the 70% chance for rain that weekend, the streets were packed with trucks and spectators. All told, there were 110 trucks at the event, and it raised $18,500, which was donated to The Downs Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis. This is always a really fun show that lives up to its “Laid Back” name. Next year’s event is scheduled for August 19-20, 2022. We hope you join us while we chill out for charity! And this year’s winners were…
CLASS 1 (2020-2022): 1st Justin Jaegers; 2nd Larry Steffenson; 3rd John Huellinghoff.
CLASS 2 (2008-2019): 1st Tim Duvall; 2nd John Easton; 3rd Tom Davis.
CLASS 3 (2000-2007): 1st Colton Chase; 2nd Al Wilkes; 3rd Brad Kirchner.
CLASS 4 (1990-1999): 1st Trevor Markley; 2nd Shawn Roman; 3rd Joe Baehr.
CLASS 5 (1980-1989): 1st Chris Gebhardt; 2nd Nick Buchheit; 3rd Randy Victory.
CLASS 6 (1979 & OLDER): 1st Nick Buchheit; 2nd Mike Britten; 3rd Dan Stephens.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Al Wilkes.
KID’S CHOICE: Bobby Brown/Kranawetter Transport.
TRUCKER’S CHOICE: John Huellinghoff.
BEST OF SHOW LIGHTS: Terry Aslinger.
BEST OF SHOW BOBTAIL: Al Wilkes.
BEST OF SHOW COMBO: John Huellinghoff.
