As the saying goes, “if you got it, a truck brought it,” and from July 26 to 28, many of those trucks and the hard working people who drive them will gather at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex for the largest trucking show in North America.
This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Fergus Truck Show, a highlight on the social calendar for many in the trucking industry, but also for the community here, which enjoys the spectacle and live entertainment spread out over three days.
The trade show is an important opportunity for drivers and freight companies, suppliers and merchandisers in the industry to showcase their products and network.
Organizers claim the event has over $150 million worth of trucks, trailers, equipment, accessories and more, on display.
The main attraction for many visitors and participants alike is the Show and Shine competition. Contestants may enter tractors, straight, tractor-trailer combinations, fleets, restored trucks and pick-ups.
Each truck is closely examined by at least one team of three independent judges.
The judges take into consideration the age and mileage of the truck/tractor-trailer, overall appearance and general maintenance of the unit.
Each judge separately scores each entry in the categories.
All highway tractors and highway tractor-trailer combinations are automatically entered in the following complimentary classes:
– Public’s Choice Award;
– Judges Choice Award;
– Best Displayed Fleet;
– Best Light Show; and
– Best Light Show Fleet
The Show and Shine event has the largest number of big truck entries of any trucking show in North America. Entry into the Show and Shine is $50 and each additional class is $25 (maximum two extra classes).
The show isn’t all about work; it’s about fun too. With live music performances on Friday and Saturday night, featuring an all-Canadian line-up of rock acts, like April Wine and country acts, like headliner Jason McCoy, the night time is as much fun as the day.
New this year is the Trucker’s Olympics, where teams of two will compete in a relay race against the clock, in a series of outrageous and fun challenges vying for prizes.
A tug of war competition is also scheduled to put truck drivers up against the Ministry of Transportation and Wellington County OPP.
All proceeds from the Trucker’s Olympics will go to support the Special Olympics.
The annual truck pull features truck and tractor pullers starting July 26.
Early on July 27, the garden tractor pulls, stock classes welcome children competing in the categories of 650lbs and 800lbs.
The event goes on to include adult classes and moves into the modified classes.
The highlight of the competitions is the Great Lakes Sanctioned Pull, beginning at 3pm on July 27.
The pull will feature classes in the following categories:
– single engine mod
– pro mod diesel
– mini mod tractors
– super stock 4X4
– open pro stock tractors
– super mod 4X4
– highway tractors
– super mod 4X4
– two-wheel drive trucks
There is plenty to see and do in an atmosphere that is family-friendly. The grounds of the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex features a play area, and MomsTown of Guelph is supervising a children’s play area.
The on-site campground makes for a weekend of fun for all ages, and has made the truck show a vacation tradition for many.
Recognizing the importance of community, the Fergus Truck Show acknowledges the community support it receives to make the show a success.
In return, the show provides a fundraising opportunity for the 24-plus groups assisting in various functions at the annual event.
In previous years, these groups have included the Alma Optimist Club, Arthur Optimist Club, Belwood Lions Club, Elora Mohawks, Fergus Devils Junior Hockey Club, Fergus Tennis Club, Highland Rugby Football Club, Melville United Church, Men for Missions, Centre Wellington Rotary Club, Royal City Ambassadors, Fergus Lions Club, Community Resource Group, Fergus Boy Scouts and the Fergus Curling Club.
To date, the Fergus Truck Show has donated more than $600,000 in cash and donations to the various groups assisting and to the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.
The weekend event has resulted in approximately $80 million in economic benefit for the community.
The show has earned the designation as one of Ontario’s Top 100 Events three times since its inception. Locally, it was honoured with the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce “Tourism Impact Award.”
For more information on events or admission, visit www.fergustruckshow.com.
