(Words and photos by Greg Rourke) – Once a year the smell of ten million cubic yards of cow farts is replaced with the smell of diesel exhaust in Waupun, Wisconsin. Yes, once again it’s time for the Waupun Truck-n-Show.
This was the 27th annual running of the event. The truck count was down, I suspect it was due to the heavy rains we had on Friday, with rain and overcast predicted on Saturday. Still, the event grounds were brimming with some of the finest working and show trucks the Midwest has to offer.
It seemed every remaining cabover in Wisconsin was in attendance. Think the mini truck guys are the only ones laying frame on the show field? Incorrect. Many big rigs are now running air bags on all axles, the chrome was in the weeds. Big snowplow like bumpers were common, many equipped with pneumatic cylinders to lift them to clear obstructions. One truck had wounder warrior themed murals on the engine fan. Working fireplace in a sleeper? Yep. What was billed as the longest semi tractor in the country was present. It was a Diamond Reo, and equipped with what looked like a Jumbotron lifted from a sports stadium. Despite most of the entrants having to travel to the event in the rain, everything was spotless.
Trucking is a hard life. The fact that these guys are able to keep these working trucks so beautiful is nothing short of incredible. I can hardly be bothered to run my daily driver through the carwash once in a while.
I would have loved it there. Thanks for the post.. you saved my favorite photo for last.