WALCOTT, IOWA – The 45th Anniversary Walcott Truckers Jamboree took place last week to celebrate professional drivers and the importance of trucking in America. Iowa 80 celebrated with a full schedule of events, including live concerts, over 150 exhibits, a Super Truck Beauty Contest, an antique truck display, Iowa pork chop cook out, and more. An estimated 53,453 people, including drivers, their families, and local residents were in attendance during the event. Visitors came from all over the United States and Canada, including two Canadian provinces and states as far away as Arizona, South Carolina, Texas, and California.
The Iowa 80 Truckstop has been celebrating America’s professional drivers through the Walcott Truckers Jamboree since 1979. According to Delia Moon Meier, Senior Vice President and second-generation owner of the Iowa 80 Truckstop, the Jamboree started “during deregulation, so there were almost no new trucks on the road. If a new truck drove by or pulled up to the fuel islands, everyone would run outside and look at it. My dad got with the local truck dealers and asked them to bring some new trucks out to display during our appreciation event.” Delia remembers, “My dad had some antique trucks and his friends had some antique trucks, so they showed them off. It was unique! We had new trucks and antique trucks and Iowa pork chops. And that’s how the event started.” Delia credits the staff at the Iowa 80 Truckstop and Iowa 80 Kitchen for the success of the event, and thanks everyone for their hard work and dedication to making the event fun for everyone.
Both Thursday and Friday night ended with live concerts and a fireworks display, a truck light show, and perfect weather to enjoy the event. This year also marks the 60th Anniversary of Iowa 80 Truckstop and was celebrated with a cake from Charm City Cakes based in Baltimore, Maryland. Mark your calendars! Next year’s Walcott Truckers Jamboree will be held July 10th-12th, 2025.