TFC Truck Show and Parade set to roll through area
Between 150 and 200 trucks are expected to unite in forming a giant parade of trucks that will travel through Wayne and Holmes counties on Sept. 16.
The life of a long-distance truck driver can be lonely, spending countless hours on the road by oneself. The idea of climbing into a big rig and getting behind the wheel day after day can lead to feelings of isolation, but one organization is there to help.
For years members from the team of Transport for Christ have been out at their various centers around the United States, letting truck drivers know they are loved and respected and spreading the peace that Christ promoted through the Gospel.
On Saturday, Sept. 16, a host of truckers won’t be feeling the angst of loneliness, but rather the joy of companionship and fellowship as the arrival of the 31st annual TFC Truck Show and Parade will take place from 5-8 p.m. on a predetermined path that will take hundreds of truckers from Kidron to the Fairgrounds at Harvest Ridge, west of Millersburg.
This event isn’t just a way for the truck drivers to connect and enjoy an evening of fellowship, but also it is designed as a way for the public to participate.
The evening presents one giant parade of trucks, from the big rigs to cement mixers, flatbed trucks, and rigs of all shapes and sizes.
“We are looking forward to another sensational evening during this year’s parade,” said Stanley Wertz, event coordinator and chaplain at the TFC Lodi location. “Our drivers look forward to this because it is a time of relaxation and fellowship. It’s truly unbelievable how popular this event has become with both the trucking community and the many folks who come out to watch it. It truly is a spectacular experience.”
Each year family and friends have marked this event on their calendar, hosting barbecues and parties and setting up chairs, benches and blankets along the road to watch the progression of hundreds of trucks passing by, with horns blaring and drivers waving. And the biggest highlight is when the sun drops below the horizon and darkness settles in. That’s when the trucks shine brightest, their array of lights turning into beacons that have captivated audiences each year.
According to Wertz, it’s about creating a bond of unity for the drivers and presenting them with words of hope that are uplifting and encouraging.
“This whole event is designed as a way for us to support the ministry that has been reaching truck drivers for many years,” Wertz said. “Driving long distance can be genuinely lonely. Truck drivers are isolated and away from family, friends, and sometimes it takes a great deal of courage for them to simply take those seven steps up into our ministry chapel because of peer pressure, but for those who do, it can be an inspiring and uplifting moment that provides a sense of peace.”
This year’s truck parade will start at 5 p.m. at the Kidron Auction Grounds, where the conga line of trucks will begin a slow and steady parade traveling south on Kidron Road toward Mt. Hope. They will reach state Route 241 South and head to County Road 77 South, rolling through Bunker Hill toward Berlin, where they will continue onto state Route 62 South, which will take them into Berlin. There they will head west on state Route 39/62, pushing through Historic Downtown Millersburg and ending at the Holmes County Fairgrounds at Harvest Ridge at approximately 7 p.m.
Prior to the parade, drivers and the public are invited to spend time eating and congregating at Kidron Auction Grounds starting at 2 p.m., where they will be provided with hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and beverages available by donation. Food will continue to be served for several hours, even after the trucks set sail.
Harvest Ridge will host a chicken barbecue starting at 4 p.m., with both dine-in and carryout options available by donation. There also will be homemade ice cream and live music by the group “Inspired.”
While the show was once a Friday evening event, Wertz said moving it to Saturday gives the drivers time to make their rigs immaculate for the show and parade.
“We welcome the public at both venues and would love to see a huge crowd show up to support the ministry,” Wertz said. “People can purchase meals before the event in Kidron and head to their favorite location to watch the parade go by, eat there, or dine at the fairgrounds and enjoy the live music. Either way this is a wonderful event that brings people together.”
All proceeds benefit the TFC Global Lodi FaithLife Center & the Shelby Outpost, a ministry providing chaplaincy services to the trucking community.
As for the importance of TFC and its daily purpose to touch the lives of long-distance truck drivers, the words of those who have been affected by their presence ring loud and true.
“They are doing what truckers really need, praying for them and encouraging them in person and bringing them blessings in a lonely long-distance trucker’s life,” one driver said.
“They have been there for the American trucker and even impact others around the world by getting out the Gospel,” another said.
Wertz said thanks to the TFC volunteers who have been able to connect with and minister to many drivers, many of whom struggle with the long hours on the road.
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