Perryville residents will have the opportunity to see some of the tri-state area’s sleekest, best-lit semi-trucks at the seventh annual Laid Back on I-55 Truck Show, August 16 and 17.
According to event organizer Robynne Duvall, it’s always an amazing sight to watch the trucks roll into downtown Perryville.
“These truckers put a lot of work, money and pride into their trucks, as most drivers spend more time in their trucks than at home with their families,” she said. “We started this show seven years ago with about 50 trucks and it has now more than tripled in size.”
The first year, 48 trucks participated in the show and then the number quickly rose to over 70. Last year there were around 140 trucks.
Proceeds from this year’s event will once again benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis in honor of Abigail Hotop. Last year’s truck show raised a total of $27,177.10.
The event begins on Friday, August 16th with truck registration at 108 Progress Drive starting at 3pm, followed by the Big Rig Light Show at dusk. From 8pm-10pm, the Chad Cooke Band, the 2022 Texas CMA Band of the Year, will perform on the main stage at the Downtown Pavilion.
Saturday’s events include registration from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the second annual Trucker Rodeo at 10 a.m., both in the Alley Cat parking lot at 304 W South St. A tractor pull for children begins at 1 p.m. The awards ceremony will be held after the live auction, which begins at 3 p.m. The convoy will then leave downtown Perryville at 5:30 p.m., travel down Main Street, across AC Highway, past the Missouri National Veterans Memorial Wall, then return to the Perry County Courthouse Square on St. Joseph Street.
Still Standing provides live music from 8pm to 10pm
When asked what she likes most about the weekend, Duvall was quick to respond, “Friday night is the best night. The guys have their trucks lit up all over the downtown square. It’s a really cool thing for people of all ages, not just adults.”
“Kids love it too. A lot of truckers let the kids get in their trucks and get a feel for it – that’s my favorite part. Truckers are often underappreciated, but people need to remember that a trucker has their part to play, whether it’s eating it, carrying it, sitting on it – whatever.”
