The tiny town of Mannum was packed with trucks lovers from all around Australia over the King’s Birthday long weekend, as the annual South Australian Truck and Ute show had one of its biggest years to date.
For the past 13 years, the main street of Mannum has been closed off for this trucking extravaganza, this year grabbing a crowd total between three to five thousand.
Event organiser Colin Vigar says crowds could not believe how pristine and high quality the trucks were and admitted that even he was in disbelief.
“There are no stones in the tread of their tire, and yet they still do a million miles on the road. You know what I mean?” he says.
“It’s a credit to those guys. I mean, I like to keep my car clean, but I could not get it as clean as what they’ve got on those trucks.”
Around 180 trucks were registered in total, with Kenworth’s, Western Stars, Macks, Peterbilt’s, Utes and 4WD’s making their way from mostly South Australia and Queensland.
The event, not expecting such a large number, had to adjust its capacity limits.
“It was unbelievable. It was very close to a record number of trucks. We had to move the gates to fit them all in,” he says.
The Big Truck Factory was a crowd favourite, with large trucks covered in enticing graphics catching the eyes and attention of young kids.
“There’s Ned Kelly trucks, monster trucks, even a superman truck. Some really go out of their way to do the graphics and it’s done really, really well,” he says.
The pubs and stalls were a massive hit, with 32 food stands filled with hot food and produce and live bands and activities for a fun filled family day out.
“We had face painting for the kids, as well as a mini golf course to entertain the children. The main thing is to get the people in the town to spend money to help their community.”
Competitions like ‘Best Looking Truck” and ‘Best Truck between 60-70 years old’ were held, with awards handed out to winners also.
Best Truck in Show
Doser Fright Forwarding
Best Runner Up in Show
Mentara Farms
Best Paint Scheme or Graphic
TML Transport
Best Tipper
Paul Jolly Earthmoving
Best Prime Mover
Craig Arthur Transport
Best Truck Over 10 Yrs
Steve Parton
Best Rigid Truck
Steven Saccoccio
Best Vintage Truck over 25 yrs
Jack Vanderlinden
Best Fleet 3 or more
Riveglade Transport
With plans already in the work for next year, Colin said the show won’t be stopping any time soon.
“We keep thinking, this will be the last one and then we go oh, we’re gonna have to do it all over again next year,” he laughs.
“I just enjoy seeing everyone with a big smile on their face and can’t believe that each year’s getting bigger and better.”
When asked what he would say to people thinking about coming to show, but haven’t yet been, Colin sternly says without hesitation, “they’re missing out.”