High-profile trucks riding into Brant County this weekend for a good cause

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Where some might see transport trucks, others see art.

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Take for instance, Dickerson Custom Trucks’ “Canadian Truxedo,” with its two-toned blue paint scheme, colour-changing lights and custom denim interiors.

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“It’s beautiful,” said Jenn Gunter, one of the planners of this year’s Woodstock Truck Show and Concert.

The truck is one of the high-profile designs expected to draw crowds out to the Burford Fairgrounds this weekend for the 11th year of the show (its first in Burford).

The event brings together truck enthusiasts to showcase their work, network and swap tips, all while raising money for a good cause.

In 10 years, they’ve raised more than $150,000 for Woodstock & District Developmental Services and Special Olympics Ontario. Brant County, Brantford and Six Nations of the Grand River will host the latter’s summer games in July.

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This year is on track to be the biggest show yet, partially because of the new location, but also with generous sponsors, Gunter said.

Truckers from all over Ontario — and some “big ticket names” from the U.S. — have registered to compete for 10 “best of” trophies, including for bobtail (meaning just the truck portion), combo (truck and trailer) and best interior.

Among the 200 or so trucks will be Dickerson’s “Notorious P.I.G.,” Couch Trucking’s “New Testament” and Skillex’s tribute build.

Some of these labours of love can be seen on the roads, while others are just for show, but creating them takes months of detailed work — and, in some cases, millions of dollars.

While truckers love showing them off, the “unwritten rule” is not to touch them or climb on — “unless you’re invited,” Gunter said.

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Beyond the design, some entrants will also test their torque and horsepower by attempting to pull a weighted sled as far down the track as possible during the truck pull.

But there’s lots for people who aren’t in the trucking community as well, such as a kids zone with a petting zoo, a raffle and silent auction, food trucks, concerts and camping.

Dry County is headlining on Friday night, supported by Oakland musician Maddy McKenzie. Eric Ethridge and Kalsey Kulyk headline Saturday.

The show is a big get for the Burford Agricultural Society, but it will also bring economic benefit to the area, society president Chris Howell said.

General entry into the truck show is $10 on Friday and $20 on Saturday, with kids under 12 free.

A weekend concert pass is $50. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit woodstocktruckshow.ca.

Celeste Percy-Beauregard is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

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