Garber Farms, Mt Joy, PA
A Garber Farms driver was interested in photos I had taken of his rig at the Truck Rally, and since I had separated them from the others in my photo file, I decided to feature the two Garber rigs – the red and yellow trucks in the foreground.
Photo by Don Hollinger
Blessings to Garber Farms and these two drivers for supporting the Rally.
A Unique Tow Truck
Photo by Don Hollinger
In the Parade of Trucks.
Notice that he acknowledged my presence by opening his door for the photo!
That’s an interesting way to open a door!
12″ Stacks
A great way to add afternoon seating!
Photo by Don Hollinger
I took TFC President and CEO, Scott Weidner to see it. Notice his reflection in the stainless steel.
Apparently the owner has a strong opinion about what is under his truck’s hood!
Trucker’s do tend to be opinionated about their rigs.
Best of Show
1983 KW – Glenn Myer, Harriston, Ontario, Canada
In the Parade of Trucks
Glenn gave praise to the Lord for the honor. He was surprised to have a higher score than some of the flashier trucks.
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The next four pictures are by Don Hollinger.
The Expo Center
A few pictures to give you an idea of the layout
Trucks were just beginning to enter the grounds when I took this picture at 9:30 AM.
Early in the day.
Photo by Don Hollinger
Notice the Wenger tri-axle, just in front of the tallest building. It was the truck used in the CDL Roadeo. John Peachey said it turned out to be a difficult course for those who are used to big rigs. He said the scores were really low this year.
This is what the grounds looked like with half of the trucks already on parade! Notice the Crowe fleet in the upper right. The CDL Roadeo (Wenger Truck) is in the foreground.
Candidate Training School
I planned to enter the helicopter photos to my site early this morning, but after Bunny O’Hare, Director of Chaplains, called last night to ask if I would give my “Communication” input this afternoon, I decided to update my PowerPoint instead of my blog!
Bunny was finishing his session when I arrived at the Marietta Office at 2:30 PM.
There are fifteen people in Candidate Training School this week – ten plan to serve with TFC and five are being trained for another trucking ministry.
My responsibility is to give them information concerning communication through newsletters, PowerPoint, and display boards.
This is a great group. I was impressed.
The Black Hawk Drew A Lot Of Attention!
Calvin and Sharon Kleinfelter – Ruff & Tuff and Powder Puff Skills Roadeo – had a contact that made it possible for us to be honored to have the crew land this helicopter at the Expo Center during the Rally.
Some of the people looked a bit concerned – it had not been advertised – thinking maybe there was a problem. Those I talked to seemed relieved when I said it was expected.
We didn’t know until 7 AM on Saturday morning that it was truly going to happen.
Anyone interested was encouraged to climb on board.
Seating is certainly not luxurious.
Photo by Don Hollinger
Wow! There are a lot of switches and buttons on this instrument panel.
When their departure was announced several hours later…
…a large group gathered to watch their exit.
It was amazing to watch them go straight up.
The smoke in the background is from the chicken barbecue pit, and had nothing to do with the helicopter.
The crew was gracious and professional, and thrilled us with a couple of fly-overs before leaving.
Two Fleets Approaching
As I was walking around the fairgrounds shortly after 9 AM Saturday morning – looking for interesting photos and wondering if our truck count was going to be low this year due to the rainy weather all around us – when I noticed a beautiful sight. There were two fleets of trucks coming from opposite directions!
The Rigidply trucks approached from the east…
…and were the first to enter the grounds.
Lanita rigs arrived at the entrance just a bit later…
…and followed them in the driveway.
Lanita
Winner of the Best Fleet Award
Since they won best fleet award, I am going to use this entry to feature Lanita rigs.
Photo by Don Hollinger
Photo by Don Hollinger
I must admit, they are beautiful rigs, but in my opinion..
This Little Lanita Person Had The Best Ride of All
This “Tricked Out” child’s wagon even participated in the parade!
Photo by Don Hollinger
Congratulations Larry and Wanita for a beautiful fleet.
Truck Rally Morning
Now that I wetted your appetite for the Truck Rally with a few highlights – during my very limited time this past weekend – I will spend some more dedicated time to other details.
Keep checking, because I will be posting pictures every day this week – working my way through the weekend – event by event.
Breakfast for the Committee and Key Volunteers
The day began early for this group of forty-two – notice the time on the clock!
Gene Gehman, Truck Rally Coordinator, opened with prayer, and a reminder that the day is not about us – but about HIM.
An hour later we arrived at the Expo Center, each going to their place of responsibility.
The Chicken Barbecue Committee began food preparation for the 5:30 PM meal.
In these photos they are packaging 2,100 cookies – two per bag for the evening food line.
The Vendor Room in West Hall
Vendors were ready to set up as soon as the doors were opened at 7 AM.
Gina Martin was anxious to demonstrate how drivers can capture their trucking experiences and travels into Creative Memories scrapbooks.
Norman Leininger (right), Central Petroleum Co. is a faithful vendor, reserving two spaces every year.
Nate Keller’s, NateK Graphics was new this year. They set up a beautiful display.
Ron Helman was our very first vendor – even before we called him a vendor – beginning sometime in the mid-eighties. At that time this was the only building we used – and the only large building on the grounds.
Wnross model trucks – Jim Brandt and his dad set up their corner space.
Your Choice Distribution – Matt and Theresa Martin love their center space.
Glen and Ethel Sell were pleased with their first-time vendor space for Choice Books.
A view from the middle, facing toward the west end of the building.
Clair Stauffer’s Balloon and Candy table was a hit with children.
Faye Stoner made a cute display with dolls.
We continue to be full of praise to the Lord for only a short time of drizzle during the midmorning.
Dennis (from the Expo Center) told me this morning that he was at Penn State on Saturday, and drove through heavy rain until Harrisburg. He doesn’t live too far from the Fairgrounds and said his rain gauge was running over this morning – from Sunday evening and early Monday’s rain – and it holds six inches!
This fire policeman was waiting for trucks to arrive when he saw me coming with my camera.
Rigidply hoisting the welcome banner to its position for the day.
Each trucker was handed a registration packet as they arrived.
Horse & Buggy Express (John and Karen Rissler) entering the grounds.
By the way, registration is FREE at our Rally.
Paul & Michelle Rissler’s
“Home Away From Home”
A beautiful rig from California, MO.
I came upon the Rissler’s truck when they were having breakfast.
At first Michelle thought I should wait until everything was cleaned up perfectly, but agreed to a photo when I suggested that each of us eats breakfast and during that time may have orange juice and donuts on the counter. Notice Justin getting something from the refrigerator.
A short time later, she saw me nearby and said her “truck house” was in order.
Michelle and the boys are not on the road with Paul very often anymore, as she home schools the boys. Paul has several trucks and drivers, and also spends more time at home than he did several years ago when we first met them at the Rally.
In the Parade of Trucks
Next two photos by Don Hollinger
Paul and Michelle with their three boys
TFC’S ROLE IN THE RALLY
I have been asked a few questions about how TFC ministers to the drivers on Rally Day, consequently, I will enter a post on the purpose of the Truck Rally.
Truck Rally is basically a PR day, however most of our Northeast Region chaplains and International Staff attend the event, and are available if someone needs counseling.
One way we describe the value of the Truck Rally to our ministry, is that it is similar to a church picnic – a day for fun and fellowship – more importantly, a day of building relationships. It has also grown into an important fundraiser for the ministry.
The chapel has the most visable spot on the grounds so drivers get an idea of what to look for in truck stops. A staff person is usually on board to answer questions. (This photo was taken before the parade, so the steps are not yet set up.)
We have space in the vendor room where we have ministry material and information available. Darla Hershey manned the Ministry Material table, where we have materials (books, shirts, decals, bumper stickers, etc.) that are also on our chapels. Another unmanned space includes a display board and free ministry material such as brochures and New Testaments.
The chapel led the parade of trucks, which is the official opening of the day’s activities. If you look closely, you can see Cerwin in the driver’s seat, and Barry Grim on the passenger side. Barry donated this tractor to TFC, so was invited inside for it’s first trip in the parade . Two of our granddaughters were in the sleeper.
Cerwin was excited about the number of people who were watching the parade.
Being head of the parade means it is also the first to return!
It took the chapel sixty-four minutes to travel the eight-mile parade route.
