The 34th Annual Mid-America Trucking Show kicks off this week, beginning Thursday, March 31 and ending Saturday, April 2.

But Louisville, Ky., is already filling up with visitors. That because so many events are planned around the big show, many scheduled for today through Wednesday before the show actually opens.
The Mid-America Trucking Show is arguably the biggest single draw in trucking, attracting everyone from truck driver wannabes to the top executives from commercial truck fleets, private fleets, the companies that manufacture trucks and all the products that keep them running.
The big show itself opens on Thursday at 1 p.m. (A VIP-only session begins at 10 a.m.). According to show management, more than 1,000 companies from the U.S. and 11 foreign countries are expected to participate in the show. In total, the show will take more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., with product innovations and introductions.
Among the show’s attractions will be the Expedite InfoCenter, Mid-America’s Recruitment Center, the Internet & Technology Center, Ol’ Blue USA Safety Center and for the 5th consecutive year, the Paul K. Young Memorial Truck Beauty Championship. For the 1st time ever, Mid-America’s Big-Rig Build-Off will showcase 6 custom built trucks from across the U.S. and Canada in what is expected to become an annual event. Attendees will vote on their favorite truck with the winner to be crowned on Saturday, April 2. NASCAR’s Ken Schrader will make an appearance courtesy of OTR/ProTrucker Magazines, Freightliner will be presenting two more NASCAR greats, Kyle and Richard Petty, and The Midnight Trucking Radio Network will welcome Country Music Legend Patti Loveless.
In concert Friday, April 1, at 7:30 Kenworth will present Sawyer Brown with opening act Amy Dalley.
2005 Mid-America Trucking Show hours will be:
Thursday, March 31 VIP Session: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Show Hours: 1p.mp - 6p0.m.Friday, April 1 Show Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 2 Show Hours: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
For more information on The Mid-America Trucking Show, visit www.truckingshow.com.