There are a few major events each year where drivers and fans come to enjoy the beauty and kinship of trucking. One of those is the Walcott Truckers Jamboree at the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, Iowa. Known as “The Largest Truckstop In The World”, the Iowa 80 plays host to one – if not the largest – gathering of tractor-trailers each year.
Following the return last year of live participation after going virtual due to COVID restrictions, the 42nd Jamboree will be a much-needed breather from the stress drivers have faced during the past few months. Getting to see the best-looking custom trucks, antique rigs restored to original condition, and of course, the BBQ cookoffs. All that walking makes one pretty hungry.
For all those drivers who bring their “co-pilots,” there is a pet beauty contest. With categories such as “Best Dressed,” “Best Trick,” and Best Look-alike,” it’s sure to be a hit. There’s also a Trucker’s Olympics, where competitors go head-to-head in some of the most athletic activities in trucking, strap winding, tire flipping, and strong pull.
A concert line up for all tastes
The Jamboree has concerts planned for all three days. Thursday will boast a 5 p.m. set of country and Southern rock with area favorite Dani Lynn Howe and her band. Headlining Thursday is a 7 p.m. concert with Kylie Frey, the country singer/songwriter whose 2020 EP Rodeo Queen crossed a million streams on Spotify within the first weeks of its release. The young talent has four number-one hits on Texas Regional Radio Report: “Rodeo Man,” “Too Bad” (with Randy Rogers), “One Night In Tulsa,” and “Spur of the Moment,” the latter enshrined as the fastest-rising chart-topper by a female artist in the chart’s history.
Friday’s 7 p.m. concert headliners are Diamond Rio, the ensemble known for its vocal harmonies, varied instrumentation, and near-exclusive use of only its own band members on recordings instead of session musicians. Three of the group’s albums have achieved RIAA platinum certification, and Diamond Rio has received four Group of the Year awards from the Country Music Association, two Top Vocal Group awards from the Academy of Country Music, and a Grammy Award.
Saturday is the closing ceremony for the Truckers Jamboree. Saturday’s 1 p.m. concert headliners are the beloved 1980s pop and rock musicians of The Brat Pack. Live music continues at 5 p.m. with a performance by the 1970s and ’80s rockers of Mo’s Garage.
Each day is packed with activities for everyone. It is definitely a bucket list item for any trucker or tourist to visit. Check out their website for more details.
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