2024 event has more trucks and activities for people to enjoy
For the third year, truckers could display their rigs at 205 Tamarack Road in Woodstock for the well-loved Big Iron Show N Shine, held on Saturday, July 20.
The event strives to create a community between truckers and the drivers of the smaller vehicles on the road while celebrating the trucking industry. Attendees were invited to get close to the “big iron” and chat with the drivers.
“I’ve never been inside a transport before or this close, and I think it’s awesome and a good experience,” said first-time attendee Cathy DeLong.
This year, there was an increase in trucks. On Saturday, 20, 96 drivers parked their trucks in lines to showcase to everyone attending.
Big Iron Show N Shine partnered with the Valley Food Bank. Upon entry, people could donate money to help the food bank supply more nutritious food to the community.
“Being able to donate to the charity puts smiles on peoples’ faces,” said one of the Big Show N Shine organizers, Tyler Home.
The Big Iron Show N Shine offered a variety of activities for children.
A scavenger hunt was held between 2 and 8 p.m.; throughout the day, a cartoon truck photo board was set up, allowing kids to take a picture and appear as if they were driving a truck.
Home loves that the Big Iron Show N Shine gives children an outside activity in the summer.
“Kids nowadays don’t want to do anything, but they’re all like, ‘Are we going to the truck show, are we going to the truck show?’ I guess that’s a win for us,” he said.
This year’s event was full of activities for adults to enjoy. From 6 to 11 p.m., attendees danced to the live music. This year’s performers included Markus Drake, The Martin Boys and the Redbridge Rockers, and the Cunningham Haines Band. There was also a light show, and at 10 p.m., fireworks lit the sky.
Food trucks were available all day for when people got hungry from walking around the lot.
The Big Iron Show N Shine organizers are happy that they have created an event that has shown appreciation to truckers and is well-loved by all types of people.
“Organizing a community event that’s growing and getting more recognized and enjoyed, and just have something more fun to do,” said organizer Matthew Stockford when sharing his favourite part of the Big Iron Show N Shine.
“Everyone has a good time, and that’s a win for us,’ said Home.
