“Touch a Truck” has grown into nationwide truck event

The idea for the salute to the trucking industry began 20 years ago in Waupun with several members of the community looking for a way to adopt an event held in another city called "Touch a Truck."

Truckers there displayed their vehicles and children were encouraged to see them up close.

Steven Wendt, president of the Waupun Area Chamber of Commerce at that time, approached John Williamson with the idea.

They contacted truckers in the area, including Wayne Bartelt, Ron Vande Zande, Don Schultz, Alton Asmus and a number of other drivers who backed the idea and the Waupun Truck-n-Show was born.

The event has grown in both size and scope as more truckers come from far-off states to show their rigs. Over the past 16 years, the parades have averaged 400 entries per year! Drivers from all over the United States and Canada are already registered for this year's Truck-n-Show, which also attracts thousands of spectators.

The dedication of the Waupun Truck-n-Show Committee, promoting the event at national shows throughout the year, has led to its growth and success. Many committee members have attended trade shows in Wisconsin and other states promoting the event throughout the trucking industry.

The committee has grown as the Waupun Truck-n-Show has expanded every year. A five-member board of directors, led by President Ron Vande Zande, coordinates the whole event, along with 23 committee chairs.

Information has been spreading through the truckers network and in truckers magazines, including "The Trucker," "Truckers News," "Movin Out," "Road Star" and "Badger Trucker."