Perryville residents will get a chance to see some of the tri-state region’s prettiest, fanciest and best-lit big rigs when the fourth annual “Laid Back on I-55 Truck Show” takes place Aug. 19-20.
Event organizer Robynne Duvall is looking for more trucks to participate this year.
The first year of the event, the show garnered 48 trucks and then went up to more than 70. Last year, the event brought in about 90 trucks.
“We have had many calls inquiring about this years truck show. I would not be surprised if we have 130 trucks this year,” Duvall said.
As usual, proceeds from this year’s event, co-sponsored by the Downtown Revitalization Committee, will benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis in honor of Abigail Hotop.
“Last year, Abigail was able to throw the first pitch out at a Cardinals game because of the donation made from our truck show. Watching her energy and excitement on the field, makes all the organization and work for this show worth it,” Duvall said.
The event will kick off Friday, Aug. 19 with the Big Rig Light Show at dusk., just a bit after Sons of Bocephus, a Hank Williams Jr. tribute band, takes the main stage at the Downtown Pavilion to provide live music from 8-11 p.m.
Trucks are expected to begin arriving at 1 p.m. Friday, when registration opens and the city begins blocking off the square.
Saturday’s event include a kiddie tractor pull beginning at 11 a.m. and a DJ will provide music during the day. The awards ceremony is scheduled after the live auction that begins at 3 p.m., followed by a convoy heading down Main Street, across Highway 51 to AC Highway past the Missouri National Veterans Memorial, then up Highway 51 back to the downtown square.
The convoy will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. Ian Ferguson will provide live music from 8-11 p.m.
“I have so many favorites of this event but I’d say my favorite is watching the convoy. It’s so cool to watch so many beautiful trucks parade through town. Kids don’t forget to do the trucker arm pull to get those horns honking.” Duvall said.
Duvall is always excited for the truck show. She said its one of her favorite events of the year.
“I absolutely love being a part of the Laid Back on I-55 Truck Show. We have an amazing group of people organizing this event that draws truckers, their families and friends to downtown Perryville for the weekend,” Duvall said. “These truckers put a lot of time, energy and money into their trucks. Without truckers, our shelves would be empty. Literally, most everything in your home at one time or another was transported by a truck driver.
