The shine of chrome and the smell of diesel will once again take over the streets of downtown Clarion for the 6th annual Heartland Truck Show July 29th and 30th. The quote is “If you got it, A truck brought it’ and the Heartland Truck Show is an opportunity for the public to not only see the trucks that crisscross the American highways up close and personal, but meet the men and women behind the wheel. They make up a 5.8 percent of the total US workforce yet take care of over seventy-one percent of the freight that is moved around the country in a “Big Truck” as they are often called in the transportation industry. More than rail, air, and boat transportation combined. In Iowa 1 in 13 people are involved in the transportation industry. Truck transportation dominates an industry that 100 years ago was controlled by trains. As bigger rail companies began to gobble up their competition the steel rails slowly disappeared in the rural landscape until most towns no longer had that option for getting goods to the businesses to be put on selves for the public to purchase. Today a large percentage of rural communities are only served by trucks. Even major rail hubs, airports, and ports depend on trucks to move large quantities of items out across the nation. Whether it is raw materials to finished products, without the trucking industry the economy would crash. Trucking is 24/7, 365 days a year with drivers moving loads on weekends and holidays. They leave family members at home to make sure loads are delivered on time.
Key sponsors, Ennis Corp, Hanson and Sons Tire LLC, and Fuel along with many other sponsors are proud to highlight the trucking industry in Iowa and across the nation along with the men and women that keep the country moving and the Clarion Volunteer Fire Department.
Events begin on Saturday July 29th with truck parking beginning at 5 pm as trucks from all over the country begin to move into the Clarion downtown.
Standing Hampton will take to the stage at 8pm with their high energy show featuring 70’s and 80’s classic rock, playing until midnight. A break in the stage action will be at 10pm when the ever-popular light show takes place as truck turn on the big rig lights vying for the best in lights award.
On Sunday July 30th the show starts up with registration from 10am until noon. Judging will take place leading up to the awards presentation at 4pm. Cash prizes will be awarded for, Best of Show, Farm Class, Local entries, 2000 and up, and 2000 and older, as well as the People’s Choice award. New this year is the addition of the Competitor’s choice award. The trophies and cash awards go out to the top three in each category.
The IMTA show trailer with the truck driving simulator will once again be available for young and old alike to try their hand at driving a big truck. Mojo Productions will provide music through out the day and a variety of food options will be available. Local businesses will be holding Crazy Days deals along Main street and kids’ events will take place on the Wright County courthouse lawn. “The goal of the Heartland Truck Show is to create an event that has something for the entire family. One that will not only highlight the tucking but also help a vital service in our community” stated Melinda Anderson of Ennis Corp and the Clarion Development Alliance.
The proceeds from the Heartland Truck Show will go to the Clarion volunteer fire department. Just like truckers, volunteer firemen are called on at all hours of the day and night 365 days a year. They leave the comfort of their homes and businesses to help protect life and property. In a conversation with Clarion Fire Chief Pat McCormick told me” This money has helped with the purchase of important items that help the fire department do a more efficient job.” This is the main fundraiser for the approximately 130-year-old department that boast 20 firefighters and one junior firefighter. McCormick added “In past years we have used money raised at the truck show for new air packs, which help a firefighter to breathe clean oxygen in a smokey situation, bunker gear, the clothing, and accessories for firefighting. These items alone cost around 3 thousand dollars per set. Most recently there was a need for battery powered jaws of life and a torpedo nozzle used in structure fires.”
There will be several chances to win raffled donated items and the gun raffle. Tickets will be available up until the time of the drawing which will take place around 4pm.
Anderson said “I am very excited about this year’s event. We have an amazing group of drivers, trucks, firefighters, and this is a chance to not only support and honor them but show off our great community and what Clarion has to offer.”
