Perryville residents will get a chance to see some of the tri-state region’s prettiest, fanciest and best-lit big rigs when the sixth annual “Laid Back on I-55 Truck Show” takes place Aug. 18-19.
Event organizer Robynne Duvall said there are more trucks participating this year than ever before.
“Watching the beautiful trucks roll into downtown Perryville is such an amazing site.” She said. “These truckers put a lot of work, money and pride into their trucks as most drivers spend more time in their trucks than they do at home with their families. We started this show six years ago with around 50 trucks and it's more than tripled in size.”
The first year of the event, the show garnered 48 trucks and then went up to more than 70. Last year, the event brought in about 130 trucks.
As usual, proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis in honor of Abigail Hotop. The event collected approximately $20,000 last year
The event will kick off Friday, Aug. 18 with the Truck registration starting at 3 p.m., then the Big Rig Light Show at dusk. Just a bit after Lone Star Skynyrd, a Lynyrd Skynrd tribute band, takes the main stage at the Downtown Pavilion to provide live music from 8-10 p.m.
Saturday’s event include a kiddie tractor pull beginning at 11 a.m. and a DJ will provide music during the day. The awards ceremony is scheduled after the live auction that begins at 3 p.m., followed by The convoy on Saturday afternoon is a huge hit! The convoy leaves from downtown Perryville at 5:30 travels down Main St, cuts across to AC Highway past the Missouri National Veterans Memorial Wall before returning to the square down St Joseph St. Let's line the streets to show your support and of course, don't forget to do your best arm pump for a truck honk!!
The convoy will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. David Adam Byrnes will provide live music from 8-10 p.m.
There is a new event called the Trucker Rodeo which will take place in the Knights of Columbus parking lot on Saturday.
“The truck rodeo is a new event for 2023. The rodeo tests the truckers driving skills, including backing, turning and parking. Come on down to The Alley Cat Lanes (formally KC Bowling Center) Saturday morning at 10am to cheer on your favorite CDL holder.” Duvall said.
She has many favorite things about the event.
The light show on Friday night is my favorite part of the show. If you haven't checked out this display, you're missing out!! In the past, the truckers have commented on how much they enjoy coming to downtown Perryville because of the large amount of spectators that come to the show. Not all shows receive the respect and support our show does.” Duvall said.
She is excited for the event to be underway.
“I am so excited for next weekend’s truck show.,” Duvall said. “The executive committee works all year long to put this event together but it's so worth it once you see the square lined with all these beautiful rides.”
