OOIDA’s The Spirit leads inaugural Jim Johnston Memorial Convoy

Unfortunate weather didn’t keep The Buckeye Invitational Truck Show from being a success. Fellowship and fun were a huge part of the equation, even during bouts of inclement weather.

A focus on the drivers and their families was our main intent for organizing the show. We didn’t emphasize retail, and didn’t have recruiters on site.  Money and awareness raised for the charity TruckersFinalMile.org were part of the family theme we attempted to stick with.

I use the word “we” loosely. The real work getting this show to the point of being successful was done by organizers George Parker (the “George” in the “George & Wendy Show) and Jerry Novak. James “Tex” Crowley also put in countless unpaid hours for months before the show ever happened. These guys really put their heart and soul into having a nice party for their trucking family.

I’m the Shake and Bake kid from the 1980’s commercial. “And I helped.” They call me the “cruise director.” I made sure everyone had food and knew where to find a bathroom, ice, first aid, beverages, the registration booth, the stage, the dog show on the other side of the fairgrounds, and any other number of random things. I’m a “facilitator.” (That’s different from an enabler. Yes it is. Don’t argue.)

Evening thunderstorms both Friday and Saturday put a damper on outside stage performances. Being true professionals, the musicians moved indoors and powered through with awesome acoustic sets both nights.

A completely impromptu jam session with Paul Marhoefer, Bill Weaver and Taylor Barker, was pulled together impressively Friday night. Harmonica virtuoso Josh Geartz and guitarist Sherman Stockton added accompaniment, made this unrehearsed show a memorable one.

Saturday afternoon was sunny, hot and humid for the inaugural Jim Johnston Memorial Convoy. The OOIDA touring tractor-trailer, the Spirit of the American Trucker, driven by Jon Osburn, led 26 trucks on a 10-mile route through Harmony, Ohio, around to I-70 West, and back to the Clark County Fairgrounds.

Each participant in the convoy made a $50.00 donation to TruckersFinalMile.org. 

Truckersfinalmile.org, an IRS 501(c)(3) recognized charity, seeks to reunite truck drivers and their families in the event of death, debilitating injury or serious illness away from home.

All T-shirt sale proceeds from the show also went directly to the charity. Founder Robert Palm received an award for his dedication and tireless efforts to help trucking families in need. The event raised $4,200, and a lot of much-needed awareness, for a very worthy cause.

The Stone Creek Four Band got things rocking early in the day. An exceptional performance of their own high-energy country-bluegrass, as well as back-up for sets by Taylor Barker, Bill Weaver, Brad James and Terrance “Jake Brake Junky” Mathis confirmed the versatility and skill of each individual artist.

Stage energy continued when Australian trucker favorite Jayne Denham stopped by for a special performance Saturday that included her hit singles “Stacks,” and “Trucker Chicks.”

Torrential downpours and lightning once again shut down the outdoor stage Saturday, but Weaver and Barker joined the members of TRUK for another great, completely unrehearsed, indoor acoustic set.

Forty-one gorgeous working class trucks registered to enter the Kids Choice, People’s Choice and Best in Show categories. Pride and dedication reflected from each and every truck entered.

Johnny Payton took first place in the Kids’ Choice division, with his 1993 Peterbilt 379.

First place in People’s Choice and also voted Best in Show, Steve and Amy Randall’s 2017 Kenworth W900, “Poison Ivy.”

OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh and Board Member Monte Weiderhold met with show attendees Saturday morning for a Q&A session regarding current rules and regulations. The informal discussion centered on hot-button topics, like hours of service and ELD exemptions.

We sincerely appreciate the support and efforts of everyone who attended the show this year. Y’all come on back now, ya hear?