They slog through rain, snow, sleet for miles and miles – so even torrential rains on Saturday failed to stop a large number of truckers from attending the 14th annual Bob Tail Truck Show here on the weekend.
The rain might have pelted down in the morning, but within an hour of the sun breaking through in the afternoon, most of the big rigs parked at the community centre and arena were water-spot free and gleaming.
The rain did, however, wash out the planned Saturday car show.
One of the founders of the Truck Show had an easy explanation for that, knowing that classic car owners are finicky. “As soon as it sprinkles, those guys stay home,” Don Harrow said.
There was a white Lincoln Continental on the grounds that afternoon, but that was about it for classic cars. That part of the show usually runs only one day, and is operated separately from the Truck Show, but they share the same venue.
But the truckers were all enjoying themselves as country and western music filtered across the grounds.
The truck show committee includes Harrow and his wife, Joan. He was one of the show’s founders. The rest of the committee included Laura and Mark Burgers, Terry Quesnelle, Dianne Fleming, Wes Alexander, and Ashley Harrow.
Joan Harrow cited one reason why the show has such a relaxed atmosphere. “Because there’s no competition, it’s friendly,” she said. “It’s a driver appreciation show.”
Don Harrow added that all truckers pay $35 for entry and that includes a Sunday breakfast, a plaque, and prizes worth anywhere from $80 to $100. He said the show’s sponsors, and there are many of them, are very generous.
There is entertainment on the Saturday afternoon and in the evening, as well.
But the weather earlier in the day was daunting, with rain nearly coming down sideways at some points, and Joan admitted, “We had some guys leave.”
But most stayed. There was one truck from Saskatchewan, and others came from as far away as Burlington, Milton, Beeton, Windsor, and Orangeville. There were also a large number from Wellington County.
The Harrows looked upon the event as bringing about 200 people into Palmerston for a weekend.
