The South Australian Truck and Ute Show enjoyed its biggest event ever over the long weekend, with about 180 vehicles registered in total.
Organiser Darryl “Gus” Brooks told Big Rigs that he was extremely pleased with the turnout, with plenty of new exhibitors coming on board this year.
“We had people coming to Mannum from all over the southeast as well as the west coast and Tasmania,” he said.
“I don’t have the total numbers but we reckon there were at least 5000 people there.
“It was our biggest show since we started 13 years ago, it was unbelievable.”
Brooks said there was a great variety of trucks on display, from Kenworths to Macks to Volvos.
“Wakefield Trucks brought up three new Western Stars and MANs, all decked out,” he said.
“Our sponsors The Truck Factory had some big tow trucks and utes, and they raised some money for cancer which was great.
“There were also some older trucks on display, like a Kenworth that was still in its original condition that was brought out of the shed for the day.”
Brooks and a friend, Neil Warhurst, came up with the idea for the SA Truck and Ute Show after seeing the success of the Alexandra Truck Show in Victoria (which also takes place over the King’s Birthday weekend).
“I used to be the local garbage driver up here and Neil used to service the trucks,” he said.
“Both of us were obviously interested in trucks and having seen what they were doing in Alexandra, I thought it could work in Mannum.
“Neil put it to the council and then in 2011 we had our first truck show, run by Neil, the late Irene Lovell and a whole group of others, flying by the seat of their pants!”
Brooks said the show is a great way for truck and ute enthusiasts to show off their vehicles and celebrate the transport industry, while bringing business to the local area during low season.
“We keep the entry fee very affordable, just $10 for adults and free for under 16s,” he said.
“After everything is paid for, all the money raised at the gate goes back into the town, to keep it going until October, when the holiday season starts.”
Take a look at the winners below.
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