One of the true highlights of the trucking community's summer takes place in the heart of the nation starting Thursday, July 13, as the Iowa 80 truck stop hosts its annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree.
The 44th annual celebration of trucks and truckers begins Thursday at 10 a.m. and provides music, food, family fun, fireworks, and, of course, a slew of great-looking trucks through 5 p.m. Saturday.
Music is a big part of the Jamboree and this year, the headlining act is Shenandoah, the country rockers from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Over the years, the band has produced two gold albums and charted 26 singles, including five that went to No. 1. Shenandoah will perform on the Jamboree's main stage Saturday evening.
Of course, trucks are the main focus of the event. The Super Trucks Beauty Contest features custom and working trucks joined by a large exhibit of antique trucks. One specific antique truck -- a 1923 Mack AB -- will have its 100th birthday celebrated at the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum Friday afternoon.
The Jamboree also includes the annual Truckers Olympics skills competition and the Trucker's Best Friend Pet Contest.
Parking and admission is free and open to the public.
The full schedule is as follows:
Thursday
- 10 a.m. Jamboree opens and truck judging begins
- 11 a.m. Iowa Pork Chop Cookout begins and runs through 8:30 p.m.
- 1:30 p.m. Trucker Olympics
- 5 p.m. Got Your Six performs on the main stage
- 7 p.m. Electric Shock, AC/DC tribute band performs on the main stage
- 9 p.m. Super Trucks Beauty Contest Lights at Night display and fireworks
Friday
- 10 a.m. Jamboree opens
- 10:30 a.m. Truckers Best Friend Pet Contest
- 11 a.m. Iowa Pork Chop Cookout begins and runs through 8:30 p.m.
- 11:30 a.m. Truckers Olympics
- 2:30 p.m. 100th Birthday Celebration for 1923 Mack AB at the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
- 5 p.m. Dirt Road Rockers perform on the main stage
- 7 p.m. Shenandoah performs on the main stage
- 9 p.m. Fireworks
Saturday
- 9 a.m. Jamboree opens
- 11 a.m. Truckers Olympics
- 11 a.m. Iowa Pork Chop Cookout begins and runs through 4:30 p.m.
- 1 p.m. Dani Lynne Howe and Band perform on the main stage
- 3 p.m. Super Trucks Beauty Contest awards presented
- 4 p.m. Antique truck plaque presentation
- 5 p.m. Jamboree closes
