by Suzanne Stempinski, OOIDA member
Seventh
Annual Trucker Fest 2001 Alamo Travel Center Reno, NV August 16-17, 2001 |
This year’s Trucker Fest boosted sore spirits run ragged by downturns in the economy and tough times in the trucking industry. The event kicked off with a truckers’ parade, led by Neal and Barbara Holsomback, OOIDA members from Resaca, GA, in their award-winning truck, “Plum Classy.” Trucker Fest is sponsored by the Alamo Travel Center and Newport Communications/Roadstar Magazine. Hearts and hands were lifted as 50 beautiful trucks paraded through downtown Reno. Each truck and driver was announced to the huge crowds lining Virginia Street, as the trucks rolled under the arch proclaiming Reno “The Biggest Little City in the World” and to the Alamo Travel Center. Owned and operated by the Cashell family, the Alamo employs 240 people. The entire facility sparkles — dirt has no home there — and all their facilities are top notch. The Alamo recognizes that truckdrivers have choices on where they stop for fuel, showers, food, laundry and service facilities — and it’s an easy choice to make when you’re treated right and made welcome. Beginning bright and early the next morning, vendors opened up shop in the parking lot behind the Alamo Travel Center. And before long, the aroma of freshly grilled steaks filled the air as thousands of CDL holders were treated to free dinners — simply for being truckdrivers. Musical entertainment was provided by Joey Holiday, and driver contests included an old-fashioned water balloon toss and musical hay bales. More than 8,000 fans attended a concert by country music star Neal McCoy. Truckers were admitted free and had a special seating section. Judging day dawned bright and hot. Thirty-five polished show trucks were judged in the Stars & Stripes Truck Beauty Contest. Some of the competitors had worked all night putting the finishing touches to their rigs before the dreaded and welcomed “rags down.” Despite the 100 degree heat, members of the California Highway Patrol and Nevada Highway Patrol barely broke a sweat as they inspected the show trucks from top to bottom — some even wearing white gloves and all looking for dirt in those forgotten places. One she-bear even wore a bulletproof vest — it was a standard part of her uniform (as a judge), she insisted. In the “Best Buddy” pet contests, truckers showed off furred or feathered friends.
The awards ceremony included one special new award, presented by long-time OOIDA member “Diesel Dave” Sweetman for his “Pick of the Litter”. According to Sweetman, “I thought it might be a different slant to focus on someone who shares their knowledge, is a good mentor and is, at the same time, a class act on all accounts. More than just a ‘good neighbor’ award, I hope to showcase some of the people who make a positive difference.”
Trucker
Fest 2001 winners Best
of show bobtail |
