The fifth annual RoadStar TruckerFest kicked off Thursday evening with an exciting truck parade through downtown Reno, Nev. More than 60 truckers were in this convoy and thousand of onlookers took time to stop and cheer at the beautiful rigs

driven in from all over the country.
If that wasn't excitement enough, following the parade a party for truckers was held at the Alamo Travel Center, where TruckerFest is being held through Sunday. The party featured a band, plenty of barbecue and even a wedding - for the second year in a row.
Benny Jones and Eula Ford from Camden, Tenn., had been engaged for two years, but just recently decided to actually tie the knot.
When asked why they decided to get married at TruckerFest, Eula said, "It seemed like the right thing to do at the time." She said Benny proposed two years ago last Easter, but they put off the date because her daughter was abroad. About two weeks ago were playing blackjack and talking with a dealer at the Alamo and decided to set the date for last night.
While it's doubtful there will be more weddings at TruckerFest this year, there will be plenty of trucks.
Most of the trucks in the parade will be taking part in the Chevron-sponsored Stars and Stripes Truck Beauty Contest, where cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. Judging for the contest is Saturday, and truckers have until 5 p.m. Friday to show up at the Alamo to enter the contest.
TruckerFest has bloomed into the single biggest truck driver appreciation event of the year. Today through midday Sunday, thousand of truckers will take part in an array of activities at the Alamo Travel Plaza, just off I-80 in Reno-Sparks, Nev.
TruckerFest Coordinator Bud Farquhar says while this is the fifth year for this show, there is something that makes this year's event even more special.
"The trucking industry and especially drivers are going through some of the most difficult financial times they have seen in quite a long time. I truly believe that it's more important than ever to recognize these men and women for the hard work they do each day. That's why Newport's RoadStar made the decision to continue holding TruckerFest despite the financial hardships in the industry."
Tomorrow and Saturday will feature some of the most popular events at TruckerFest. In addition to the many exhibitors, there will be an all-day barbecue cookout, free for CDL drivers thanks to sponsors Crete Carrier Corp., Landstar, Interstate Dist. and Schneider National. There will be trucker games each day, as well as live entertainment by trucking songwriter and performer Joey Holiday. Also on Friday there's a free concert for truckers by Neal McCoy, making a return appearance to TruckerFest. Doors open at 5 p.m. for opening act Truck Pony, with McCoy performing at 8 p.m. On Saturday truckers will see who has the best animal travel companion in the Mack-sponsored Best Buddy Pet contest.
The Alamo Travel Plaza is located off I-80, exit 20 & 21. You can also find more information about TruckerFest by logging on to www.truckerfest.com.