The Laid Back on I-55 Truck Show has been a casual and fun event, held in southeast Missouri, for the past three years. This event is one of our favorites of the year due to the fact that it’s for a great cause (to help kids) and that it is local show for us (we live just 20 miles south in Patton, MO). Each year people gather from all over the country to spend the weekend in the quaint town of Perryville, MO to help out kids, visit with old friends (and make new ones), enjoy a few cold beers, and sample great food – and what more could you really want out of a truck show!
This year’s show was held August 21-22 once again on the square in downtown Perryville. The founders of this event wanted a way to show off some of the local trucks to the community and raise money for some great local causes. This year’s event benefited the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis, raising $9,000 to help kids like Tiffany Rhoden’s daughter and others. The community support is awesome, as they close down the court square for the show and park the trucks right there in the center of town. Local businesses also run specials during the event for all the participants and attendees.
As almost 100 trucks packed the square on Friday, much of the general public came out to view the beautiful big rigs. Kids are able to check out the trucks up close, and even get to cast votes for their favorite. Beer trucks are set up, and they let you drink (responsibly) on the street. Locals also set up food trucks, and the whole downtown area takes on a “fair” kind of vibe. Live music was provided by Jerod Yount on Friday night, followed by a fantastic light show (which we live-streamed on the 10-4 Magazine Facebook page). Truckers are often viewed as “scary” people by the general public, but events like this prove that we are not. On the contrary, we are caring and giving people that love to help where and when we can.
Saturday featured a kid tractor pull event, along with music and other fun activities. For the most part, this is a “wash, park and visit” type of an event, hence the name, Laid Back on I-55. But there are a few awards handed out. This year, the Kid’s Choice went to Danny Autullo and his hand-built “Lawless” rat rod Peterbilt. The People’s Choice went to Rooster Davis and his mini semi and stepdeck trailer that could do burnouts. Modeled to look like his dad’s combo, this little rig got everyone’s attention. And lastly, the Trucker’s Choice went to Elizabeth Braun and her mini semi.
After the awards were handed out, a convoy through town, that started at 5:30 PM, marked the end of the event. We again live-streamed this procession of rigs on the 10-4 Magazine Facebook page. A great time was had by all. If you are able to attend next year, I guarantee you won’t regret giving up a weekend in the late summer and taking some time to be “Laid Back on I-55” with us. Thanks to everyone who came out to the show and participated and to those who helped put it all together and pull it off – you all are the best!
1 Comment
My brother in law Charlie passed away at home on Valentine’s Day this month 2023 in his sleep. My sister is so heart broken and I’m trying to get some truckers to show up at his layout this Friday the 24th in St. Louis. He was a trucker for over 20 years and I’m asking if anyone would honor him by showing up I would so appreciate you.