The Spirit sets up at the Big Iron Classic

The Big Iron Classic draws OOIDA’s touring tractor-trailer north for a couple of days in Kasson, Minn.

Jon Osburn and the Spirit of the American Trucker are scheduled to be at the Dodge County Fairgrounds through Saturday, Sept. 8. Staff Writer Wendy Parker also is there.

Kasson is 15 miles west of Rochester, Minn. on U.S. Highway 14.

After the stop at the Big Iron Classic, The Spirit is headed to the Oak Grove, Mo., Petro truck stop at Exit 28 off of I-70.

Show organizers say it’s the largest “working class” truck show in the Midwest. Highlights of the Big Iron Classic:

• Some 700 bobtails and custom combos are expected in the truck show.
• A Parade of Rigs is planned Saturday though the town of Mantorville, Minn., which is about a mile north of Kasson.
• Live entertainment is scheduled from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
• A truck pull is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday. Big diesel trucks will compete to pull a weighted sled. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

There are collection boxes at the show for toy donations. Toys and monetary donations will be given to charitable organizations in the area.

The food is great at the show, Jon says. Both he and Wendy were living large by each eating a pork chop on a stick, he said. (We have yet to confirm with Wendy if this is one of those “filthy lies” she writes about frequently.)

Whenever you see The Spirit tour truck, go say hello to Jon. He enjoys visiting about the Association’s activities and current issues. You also can join or renew your OOIDA membership for $10 off the regular price there. Also, you can get vouchers for flu, shingles and pneumonia vaccines from Jon at The Spirit.