Once again we made it over to the “land of spuds” for the 7th Annual Truck Show & Shine in Caldwell, Idaho, and once again, there were no “duds” to be found. Although the overall turnout wasn’t anything to put in the record books, the quality of rides that came to the event, held on June 10-11, was. This year, a bunch of newcomers made their way to the show and really raised the bar. As we got set up on Friday morning at Gabiola Field, we were a little worried about the weather, but as soon as we popped up the 10-4 party tent, the clouds parted ways and the good times rolled!
When we arrived early on Friday morning, a group of Caldwell “newbies” that included Barry Skavlem (our December 2010 cover feature), Cody Gardner and Brian Carpenter had all showed up from Washington and had already begun wiping down their rides. Naturally, we figured we’d better get to work! The pace became more and more relaxed throughout the day, making this event feel more like just a normal day of relaxing in lawn chairs, kicking back with cold beverages and just hanging out, than a truck show – that is until it was time for United Hauling’s Kick-Off Party Comedy Night, held at the O’Connor Field House on Friday night. This year we had the pleasure of enjoying two hilarious stand-up comics – Kier, with his flawless musical impressions, and Gayle Becwar, who cracked us up with his “magical comedy” show. Thanks again go out to Rod, Talie and the rest of the gang for putting this banquet together which truly kicks off the fun weekend, and for taking such good care of the “10-4 Crew” once again.
I knew this year’s show was going to be the best one yet, and when we pulled in to Gabiola Field on Saturday morning we were pleased to see an awesome sight – Tyler Picknell and his sweet dark green Peterbilt 379 and matching drop-deck. With the hood up, Tyler’s rig was showing off his new, painted to match green and chrome Cummins KTA 600 glaring in the sun. Also in attendance were Jeremy Smith and his classy two-tone blue Pete 379 and flatbed combo. Tyler and Jeremy made the trip overnight from Roseburg, Oregon in order to make it to the show – and we we’re sure glad they did! And between the two them, they collected plenty of trophies.
Again, my good friends Chet & Trista Jobe (and the kids) were there to help, as well as my rockin’ assistant Jami and Clyde the camel. We were also happy to see a few of our Oregon buddies like Rick Mallorie, Frank Merrill, and my longtime trucking friend Donnie Groat stop by the booth – they even helped out a bit while visiting. Thanks to Donnie for sharing with me one of the coolest old trucking photo albums I’ve ever seen!
United Hauling debuted their newest build called “Old School” – a hot dark green and black Peterbilt 379, and Brad Fleming of Oregon Trail Transport came over from La Grande, OR with his slick yellow Peterbilt 359. I also spent a lot of time drooling over the awesome two-tone brown 1985 Pete 362 triple-bed cabover hay truck owned by Bobby Delgado of Eden, Idaho. We were glad they came over to Caldwell to introduce their amazing rig and hang out with the 10-4 family. This year, without a doubt, Caldwell featured “the best of the best” from the Pacific Northwest! If you didn’t make it out to the show this year, we hope to see you in 2012.
BOBTAIL: 1st United Hauling, Caldwell, ID – dark green & black Peterbilt 379; 2nd Harold Morris, Jerome, ID – red 2003 Kenworth W900L.
COMBO: 1st Barry Skavlem, Rochester, WA – green Peterbilt 379 & flatbed; 2nd Jeremy Smith, Roseburg, OR – blue Peterbilt 379 & flatbed.
SPECIALIZED: 1st Brad Fleming, La Grande, OR – yellow & silver Peterbilt 359 & hopper; 2nd Joe Eisele, Boise, ID – Mack boom truck.
ANTIQUE: 1st Schnitzer Steel, Portland, OR – 1923 Mack; 2nd Lonny Riley, Caldwell, ID – lime green & silver 1978 Kenworth 900A.
SHOW TRUCK: 1st Tyler Picknell, Winchester, OR – dark green Peterbilt 379; 2nd Steve Treasure, Nampa, ID – yellow Peterbilt 359.
BEST INTERIOR: Barry Skavlem, Rochester, WA – green Peterbilt 379.
BEST OF SHOW: Tyler Picknell, Winchester, OR.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Barry Skavlem, Rochester, WA.