2020 Bedford County Convoy of Diesel Dreams

I don’t have to tell anyone that 2020 has been one for the record books – and not in a good way.  The ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic has just barreled through the world, causing so much sickness and death.  The economy has also take a huge hit on companies and people.

At times, it’s been hard to see any signs of hope and goodwill.  And then there are moments, much like the one I experienced whilst standing in the parking lot of the Bedford County Fairgrounds in Bedford, Pennsylvania on August 29th  that caused my heart to soar and restored my faith in humanity and people.

All year long, we watched as countless truck shows, events, programs, sporting events and concerts were forced to be cancelled due to the Pandemic.  Thankfully, The Bedford County Convoy of Diesel Dreams was able to host their annual truck show, which raises money for the local chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  We traveled to Bedford, not sure what to expect, the Wish Kids were not attending this year’s show because of their weakened immune systems.  Would Professional Truck Drivers and their families show up?  Would people show their support along the Convoy route?  Our concerns were squelched as soon as we turned into the parking lot!  97 truck drivers brought their trucks to the show!  HB Hauling, Hometown Bank and Interstate Trucking donated hot dogs to be grilled to raise funds for MAW.  Countless other businesses and individuals donated gift baskets to be raffled off.  Over $43,000 was raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

And the Convoy later that afternoon?  The streets were lined with cheering, clapping crowds of people.  I’ll admit it – I stood on one of those streets and wept as truck after truck after truck drove by me.  The drivers were beaming and waving and giving blasts of their horns.  The resilience of the trucking industry never ceases to amaze me.  

Winners of the 2020 Bedford County Convoy of Diesel Dreams are:

Best of Show: Kevin Perrin of K. Perrin Trucking

People’s Choice: Craig Grubb of Smith Transport

Top Pledge Driver: Myron Martin of Martin Elevators

Antique Class:1st Place: Robert Schmidt of Schmidt Trucking; 2nd Place: Milton Martin; 3rd Place: Levi Wakeman of James Wakeman, LLC

Combination:1st Place: Allen & Bonny Kelly of AB Kelly Transport; 2nd Place: Kevin Perrin of K. Perrin Trucking; 3rd Place: Mike Sheeder of Ron Wayne Auto

Bobtail:1st Place Justin Hixon of J. Hixon Trucking; 2nd Place: Christopher Tewell; 3rd Place: Andrew Schreiber of A. Schreiber Trucking

Tri-Axle: 1st Place: Derrick Eshleman of Philip Foor Trucking; 2nd Place: Darrin Littlefield of Chubby Trucking; 3rd Place: Chad College of Chad College Trucking

Specialty: 1st Place: Todd Harr of Birk; 2nd Place: Josh Imler of Weakland Wreckers; 3rd Place: Tammy Wakeman of James Wakeman, LLC

Save the date because the 2021 Bedford County Convoy of Diesel Dreams will be held on September 11, 2021.  Show organizers say that it will be even bigger and better -but I personally think that the love and support shown at this year’s event is one for the record books!