Walcott Truckers Jamboree Receives Big Turnout

The Walcott Truckers Jamboree at the Iowa 80 Truckstop attracted tens of thousands of people last week to the festivities, which included a free concert by Tracy Lawrence and other events to celebrate trucking.

"The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is a celebration of trucking," said Heather DeBaillie, Iowa 80 Truckstop's marketing director. "Nothing would get delivered without truckers and that is a message that the Jamboree allows us to share with the general public."

Over the span of two days, participants could see over 175 exhibits, a Super Truck Beauty Contest with 56 contestants, an antique truck display with over 200 vehicles, an Iowa pork chop cookout, the Trucker Olympics, Carnival Games, the Tracy Lawrence concert and a fireworks display.

The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum also hosted a party July 9 to celebrate the 100th birthday of the 1910 Avery Farm Truck in the museum's collection. Hundreds visited the museum to join in the celebration, which featured a cake and balloons.

The Walcott Truckers Jamboree began in 1979 to celebrate America's truckers. The first Jamboree only attracted a few hundred drivers, whereas today it attracts tens of thousands.

"The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is an event that we hope instills pride in drivers and encourages them to celebrate the important job they do," said Delia Moon Meier, Iowa 80 Truckstop senior vice president. "The Jamboree is the perfect chance for us to say thank you."

Next year's Walcott Truckers Jamboree will be held July 14 and 15, 2011.