Ministry to keep on truckin at Mt. Hope truck show and benefit auction, June 18
By Kelley Mohr
June 10, 2011
450
Transport For Christ (TFC), a non-denominational, nonprofit ministry for the truck driver and trucking industry, will hold its 20th annual Ohio Transport For Christ Truck Show and Benefit Auction on Saturday, June 18, beginning at 7 a.m.
The truck show and benefit auction will take place at Wayne Dalton Door in Mt. Hope. The events proceeds will provide financial support for continued ministry to those in the trucking industry in chapels across the country and around the world.
The show will feature local food, trucking industry vendors, activities for children and live music by various artists. In addition to trucks, motorcycles are welcome to participate.
Marcus Sommers, organizer for TFC, said this show underscores the importance of the trucking industry in Holmes County. This is great for the community, he said. There is a lot going on, especially with the Amish depending on trucks to transport their goods. This show is a unique opportunity to get involved in all that.
Sommers said he hopes to surpass even last years impressive turnout. Last year people were all over the place, even sitting on their roofs to watch the parade, he said. Word spreads fast in Holmes County.
And the word is that something big is happening on June 18. With each truck weighing in at up to 40 tons, maybe huge is the better word. Many truckers will be geared up for the show after completing Friday nights Parade of Lights, a 25-mile police escorted parade that starts in Dalton and ends in Kidron. At 8 a.m. on Saturday, drivers can have their trucks photographed by TFC professionals for a place in next years calendar.
For participants who wish to compete, the truck and motorcycle contests begin at noon and judging will follow. There will be multiple classes in which the vehicles are judged, including a peoples choice category for both trucks and bikes. Trophies will be awarded after the auction.
Participants and spectators will not go hungry during the event. A pancake and sausage breakfast will be provided for the early risers from 7-9 a.m., while the lunch menu includes local barbecued chicken dinners and homemade ice cream.
Spectators can check out wares and services from industry vendors, while children will be entertained with jump houses, face painting and train rides.
There will also be three musical performances on Saturday. LeAnna Troyer, a local country music artist, will be onstage starting at 10 a.m. LIVe AMPtD, a contemporary Christian band, will take the stage at 11 a.m. Internationally known DeWayne Spaw, a Nashville artist currently touring the Midwests fairs and festivals, will perform at noon until the benefit auction at 1 p.m.
Between each musical performance, buggy races will be held. This is not something you see every day, not even in the heart of Amish Country. Additionally, there may be a 15-minute air show put on by local pilots. The air show will feature aerobatic planes and possibly jumpers, weather permitting.
All of this fun and entertainment is being held with one purpose in mind. Gary Nussbaum, director of church and community relations for TFC, explained that every cent of Saturdays donations and proceeds supports TFCs ministry services, including their Mobile Chapels, which are permanent chapels with fully trained chaplains at strategic truck stops across North America and the world, including the local chapel in Lodi. These chapels allow drivers to maintain and grow in their faith while traveling.
Sommers said these chapels provide a service that would be largely unavailable without TFC. The chapels are open 24/7 for truckers or any travelers who have prayer needs or want to attend Sunday morning church, he said.
Truck drivers who wish to participate in the event will need to register by 10 a.m. Drivers can preregister by calling 330-231-3692. Preregistration is $10 and the cost is $15 on the day of the event.
For more information on the 20th annual Truck Show and Benefit Auction and TFC, call 330-465-4587. Information about TFC is also available on the Web at http://www.trans portforchrist.org.
