Peterbilt Honored with Pride & Class Day - Annual Parade Celebrates Custom Peterbilt Trucks, Supports United Way of Denton County, Texas

In the city of Denton, Texas, just north of Dallas-Fort Worth, fall is always highlighted by some of nature’s finest colors, but every year it also gives way to a vibrant display of truck craftsmanship and community spirit with the annual Peterbilt Pride & Class Parade. First held in 2016, this year marked the seventh annual event drawing both local residents and specially invited truck enthusiasts from across the United States and Canada. The parade has become a meaningful celebration that brings the community together to raise awareness and support for United Way of Denton County.

The parade kicked off this year with Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth proclaiming October 18, 2024, as “Peterbilt Pride & Class Day”, which was marked by a signed proclamation the mayor read just before the parade began around historic Denton Square. The Pride & Class Parade has grown into an eagerly awaited tradition capturing Peterbilt pride and the enthusiasm of its local employees, the community and fan base. This year’s parade featured an impressive lineup of Peterbilt trucks, including the Legendary Model 589, iconic Model 389X and the rugged Model 567. Parade-goers enjoyed an exciting procession of creatively customized Peterbilt trucks proudly owned by dedicated super-fans and passionate enthusiasts.

Ranging from model years 1964 to 2025, the parade trucks are symbols of pride, reflecting countless hours of work and passion both on the part of Peterbilt employees who build the trucks with integrity and the truck owners who painstakingly customize their rigs reflecting on every detail. The parade brings together Peterbilt trucking veterans, generational loyalists and newer owners alike, providing a venue for showcasing the vehicles, the culture and camaraderie that Peterbilt fans are known for.

Truck owners, like owner operator Matt Kanagy based out of  Ephrata, PA, were excited about the variety of trucks at the parade and noted, “It’s a great turnout, some beautiful, working classics.” He shared that with his own truck, a 2006 Model 379, he also likes to “show as best he can” every day as he’s working and driving down the interstate. “Peterbilt is just so iconic but it’s more than just having a cool truck, it’s a pride thing. Doing your job well, representing well and trying to portray some of the good in this industry.”

Featured truck owners also took part in a Peterbilt open house that included a tour of the manufacturing plant where many of the parade trucks likely “rolled off the line” in the past. Owners were able to talk with Peterbilt employees to better understand the build process and the expertise behind each truck. Before and after the parade, trucks were staged for viewing where employees, vehicle owners and parade-goers could mix and mingle and catch a glimpse of the trucks up close.

Equally important to the parade itself, the week leading up to the big event was punctuated by a variety of company-sponsored and employee-led fundraising activities, concluding Peterbilt’s annual United Way campaign. During the parade, Jason Skoog, general manager for Peterbilt and vice president for PACCAR, noted Peterbilt’s excitement to celebrate Peterbilt Pride & Class Day granted by the City of Denton, and how proud the company was to mark the occasion with the annual parade celebrating locally built trucks and the spirit of giving. He commented, “The parade rounds out our United Way campaign week, spotlighting the craftsmanship of our employees and the passion of Peterbilt owners and fans, but more importantly reminding us that together we are a driving force for positive change in our local community.”

Peterbilt has collaborated with United Way of Denton County for over three decades. Gary Henderson, president & CEO, United Way of Denton County, attested to the goodness of the company and its employees. He commented, “Peterbilt and United Way of Denton County share a rich partnership that has positively impacted this community for over 30 years. The financial support and generosity of time to many of our programs leaves no doubt as to why Peterbilt and its employees have created an indelible mark on the Denton County community.” Henderson continued by thanking Peterbilt for its continued support, highlighting that United Way of Denton County and its family of nonprofits helped 53,000 people in 2023, made possible in large part by Peterbilt and its employee’s donations.

As the trucks took center stage, Jason Skoog shared his thoughts on why the partnership with United Way of Denton County has been so impactful, raising $9.1 million in the last 20 years. He reflected, “While many believe Peterbilt’s greatest assets are its trucks or the brand itself, the reality is, it’s our people. As human beings, it’s incumbent upon us to show our generosity to others that need more help. We take great pride in what we’ve achieved for United Way programs and are equally proud of our team.