Once again, Iowa 80, known as the world's largest truckstop, has hosted the biggest trucking party of its kind to honor America's truck drivers, drawing more than 30,000 visitors to the 28th Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree

July 12-13 in Joplin, Iowa.
During the two-day event, truckers and their families were treated to more than 200 exhibits, a Super Truck Beauty Contest, an antique truck display with more than 200 vehicles, an Iowa pork chop cookout, a Trucker's Best Friend pet contest, Trucker Olympics, carnival games, two live bands - all topped off with a fireworks display.
"We want professional drivers to know how much we appreciate what they do", says Delia Moon Meier, Iowa 80 Truckstop senior vice president. "They are the reason that we have everything; from groceries to clothes to the cars we drive. The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is the perfect chance for us to say 'thank you,' and show drivers just how important they are to us and to America. It also gives the general public a chance to get up close and personal with trucks. It is a great way for people to feel part of trucking."
In addition to the many other events, The Moon Family also broke ground for the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum Visitor's Center during the Jamboree. The Museum Visitor's Center will feature expanded displays, a gift shop, movie theater and restrooms. CAT Scale gave away a new International CXT Pickup as part of its Weigh To Win promotion that began last August. Matt Baczewski of Sand Lake, Mich., was the lucky finalist whose key started the truck.
The Walcott Truckers Jamboree began in 1979 with a few exhibits, live music, food and a small display of antique trucks. That first Jamboree only attracted a few hundred drivers, a far cry from the 30,000 it attracts today.
The 29th Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree is scheduled for Thursday and Friday July 10 and 11, 2008.