The 2016 Eau Claire Big Rig Truck Show
The 7th Annual Big Rig Truck Show was the largest Eau Claire truck show yet. Held yearly on the third weekend in August, this family-friendly event filled the grounds to capacity with over 25,000 square feet of exhibitor space and more than one hundred trucks. If your company is looking to hire or sell to professional truck drivers or reach others in the trucking or agricultural communities, this is the show for you! Or if you are looking for a unique and affordable family outing this is the place to be. The Big Rig Truck Show has something for everyone. Despite the threat of severe weather, approximately 12,000 people attended this year's show.
Some of the country's top show trucks participated in the judging. Customized interiors, unique light displays, beautiful murals, brilliant chrome work and much more was showcased throughout the weekend. There is always a little bit of everything on display; antique, non-working, custom creations, and even fire trucks, but many are working show trucks showing for the weekend and back to work on Monday. In addition, tractors of all sizes, swat and law enforcement vehicles, and military vehicles were in attendence.
In addition to the trucks, Green Packer Legend LeRoy Butler greeted hundreds of enthusiastic fans on Saturday; taking pictures, telling stories and signing autographs. The musical entertainment on the Main Family Stage all weekend long was provided courtesy of Riverstates Truck & Trailer. Demonstrations from Karate American were a crowd favorite. Allstate Peterbilt provided a Free-Friday evening Popcorn and Movie Night, a coloring contest and free face painting for the kids. The truck Light Parade on Saturday evening wowed hundreds of spectators lining the ten mile route. Drivers lit up the area with custom lighting effects and thrilled the kids by blaring their horns. The YouTube video has been viewed by over 16 million people.
The Big Rig Truck Show is a community event that brings together people of all ages, and gives them the opportunity to see the world of trucking. They are proud to contribute to the following local non-profit groups: United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin, the Hands Foundation helping homeless veterans and others in need, the Chippewa Valley Chapter of SPAAMFAA (the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America.)
Show owners Terry & Linda Biddle are already in the planning process for 2017. A number of new and exciting things are in the works. One of which is a change of venue! New for August 18, 19, 20, 2017, the show will be held at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Grounds. Having out grown the Chippewa Valley Technical College parking area, the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Grounds can accommodate more trucks, exhibitors and guests. 2017 will also feature Monster Truck Shows in the Grand Stand area Friday and Saturday evenings! Tickets will be on sale starting in February. The show will again have free admission to the public (parking $5 per car), live music, children's activities, food vendors, a Saturday afternoon truck parade, and more. Alex Debogorski, the Original Ice Road Trucker, will be signing autographs on Saturday and Sunday. The adults will be excited for the addition of beer tents and a Sunday Cook Off. Drivers can also relax as it will be a park and show event with no judging.
For more on what the show has to offer check out ECTruckShow.com for future announcements, show hours, exhibitors, and other up-to-date information. If you have any questions please feel free to give them a call at 715-832-6666.
They hope to see you at the show August 18-20, 2017!
For more photo coverage visit our gallery.