The Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree welcomed 48,313 people to the Iowa 80 Truckstop last week.
The event was created in 1979 to celebrate America’s truckers and has grown to include a Super Truck Beauty Contest, Antique Truck Display, Trucker Olympics, fireworks shows, and live concerts, along with plenty in the way of business networking and conversation.
Longtime Overdrive contributor Gary Buchs was in attendance this year, and noted something of a divide among owner-operators he spoke to with respect to business conditions and performance. On the one hand, some with authority reported struggling with continued pushback from brokers hopeful to preserve or restore high margins on rates, even with the massive increase in fuel prices over the course of the year.
[Related: Broker margins took a beating in June]
On the other, owners like Steve Kron, whose past efforts at boosting fuel efficiency in an older-model, modified International Buchs detailed in prior reporting.
Kron today is still getting "very high MPG," Buchs noted, but is still breaking in a newer International. "There's a huge dividend" there versus many with older trucks he talked to, sometimes clocking just half the fuel mileage. "Even without truck payments, some of those owners are losing ground I'd say with return on investment."
All in all, though, Buchs said attendance the first day felt a smidge lighter than he was used to at past years' jamborees, but the Super Truck Beauty Contest competition was certainly well-populated and truckers generally were clearly enjoying the downtime.
The show attracted custom-rig contestants from 17 states and provinces, with the farthest away coming from Alberta, Canada. 56 trucks in total competed, with trophies awarded in 33 different categories. The full winner’s list can be seen below.
The coveted Trucker’s Choice Award, which is voted on by the Beauty Contest contestants, went to Dennis Sikorski of Bancroft, Wisconsin. Sikorski’s truck is a 1995 Peterbilt 362 named “Old School & Flat Broke.”
The concert lineup this year: Dani Lynn Howe and Band, the Schmidt Brothers, and Angela Meyer and the Western Stars, as well as Little Texas. On top of several ‘90s hits, Little Texas performed the National Anthem during their set with a flag presentation from the American Legion Post 548 from right there in Walcott. Indiana-based band Shiny Shiny Black performed Saturday afternoon on the Jamboree main stage.
A full gallery of images from the 2026 Walcott Truckers Jamboree can be found online here.
Mark the calendars: Show organizers also announced that the 49th annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree will be held July 8-10, 2027, at the Iowa 80 Truckstop. As always, admission and parking will be free. A full schedule of events will be released next spring.
[Related: More ways to take the horror out of high fuel]
Full 2026 Walcott Truckers Jamboree Super Truck Beauty Contest results
Working Truck: Cabover
1st: Matt Schleuger of Wesley, Iowa, 1993 Kenworth K100E, “Not Daddy’s Money”
2nd: Marvin Ney of Peosta, Iowa, 1984 Kenworth K100, “Federal Express”
3rd: Matt Peters of West Bend, Wisconsin, 1985 Freightliner FLB
Working Truck: Company Truck -- Bobtail
1st: Corey Prangnell of Lethbridge, Alberta, 2026 Freightliner Cascadia
2nd: Jordan Mather of Creston, Nebraska, 2012 Peterbilt 367, “Blue Caddie”
3rd: Frank Conney of Rich Square, North Carolina, 2024 Peterbilt 389, “Copper Top”
Working Truck: Company Truck -- Combination
1st: Luke Oligschlaeger of Meta, Missouri, 2025 Kenworth W900
2nd: Jim Kline of West Haven, Utah, 2018 Peterbilt 389, “Front Door Famous”
3rd: Aron Hersom of Elm Creek, Nebraska, 2024 Peterbilt 389 and 2025 Utility, “Penny”
Working Truck: 2023-2026 Bobtail Conventional
1st: Paul Sanne of Norfolk, Nebraska, 2027 Kenworth W900L
2nd: David Miller of Green Bay, Wisconsin, 2025 International LTS13, “Fifty Shades”
3rd: Kevin Richards of Bullhead City, Arizona, 2024 Peterbilt 389, “Blueberry”
Working Truck: 2016-2022 Bobtail Conventional
1st: Dawson & Bobbie Taylor of Cameron, North Carolina, 2020 Freightliner Cascadia, “Roll of the Dice”
2nd: Bret Chastain of Flora, Indiana, 2022 Mack T64 Anthem, “Every Dog Has It’s Day”
3rd: Amanda Saumier of Kasota, Minnesota, 2022 Freightliner Cascadia, “The Cancer Truck”
Working Truck: 2008-2015 Bobtail Conventional
1st: Terry Young Jr. of Carterville, Missouri, 2015 Kenworth W900L, “Handling Business”
2nd: Sean McCormick of Muscatine, Iowa, 2015 Kenworth W900, “Backroads Mistress”
Working Truck: 2002-2007 Bobtail Conventional
1st: Cowboy Weverka of Octavia, Nebraska, 2005 Kenworth W900L, “Hercules”
2nd: Shelle Lichti of Olivette, Missouri, 2003 Freightliner Century, “Rainbow Rider”
3rd: Tony Haffner of Farmington, Iowa, 2002 Peterbilt 379
Working Truck: 2001 & Older Bobtail Conventional
1st: Chris Homfeld of Warrensburg, Missouri, 2000 Peterbilt 379, “Baby Cakes”
2nd: Damian Minteer of Harvey, North Dakota, 1959 Mack B-61
3rd: Jesse Merrell of Tipton, Indiana, 2000 Peterbilt 379
Working Truck: 2021-2026 Combination
1st: Ken Oligschlaeger of St. Elizabeth, Missouri, 2025 Kenworth W900 and 2025 Great Dane
2nd: Dan Ravenhorst of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 2027 Mack Pioneer, “Remember the Fallen,” in memory of Terry Biddle
Working Truck: 2003-2011 Combination
1st: Michael & Jackie Wallace of Ashville, Alabama, 2007 Freightliner Coronado and 2014 Great Dane, “Semper Fi”
2nd: Justin Stecher of Stockton, Iowa, 2006 Peterbilt 379 and 2025 Wilson, “Nothing Left”
Working Truck: 2002 & Older Combination
1st: Daniel & Phyllis Snow of Harrison, Arkansas, 1996 Freightliner Classic XL and 2006 Utility, “The Goose”
2nd: Jerry Linander of Winona, Minnesota, 1994 Kenworth W900L and 2025 Great Dane, “No Fences”
3rd: Damian Minteer of Harmony, Pennsylvania, 1955 Kenworth 923 and 2000 custom step deck, “POPO”
Working Truck: Specialty
1st: Larry Pruitt of St. Clair, Missouri, 1986 Mack RD-6865, “Midnight Blue”
2nd: Mike Coyne of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, 1996 International 4900, “Arch Angel”
3rd: Arville Tackett Jr. of Carleton, Michigan, 2012 Freightliner Cascadia, “No Excuses”
Show Class: Bobtail
1st: Dan Brubaker of Sigourney, Iowa, 1980 Peterbilt 359
2nd: Paul Opelt of Neillsville, Wisconsin, 2007 Kenworth W900, “The Mistress”
3rd: Jim Hochader of East Moline, Illinois, 1986 Peterbilt 359
Show Class: Combination
1st: Kate Whiting of Chetek, Wisconsin, 1973 Kenworth W900A and 1973 Wilson, “Cherry Pie”
2nd: Dylan Mercier of St. Anne, Illinois, 2005 Mack Vision and 2022 Wilson, “Our Fallen Heroes”
3rd: Dustin Bridge of Lincoln, Illinois, 2026 Peterbilt 589 and 2026 Wilson
Custom Paint: Bobtail
1st: Mark & Teri Lancaster of Ottumwa, Iowa, 1967 Peterbilt 358M, “Keepin’ It Teal”
2nd: Paul Opelt of Neillsville, Wisconsin, 2007 Kenworth W900, “The Mistress”
3rd: Dan Brubaker of Sigourney, Iowa, 1980 Peterbilt 359
Custom Paint: Combination
1st: Dennis Sikorski of Bancroft, Wisconsin, 1995 Peterbilt 362 and 2007 Great Dane, “Old School & Flat Broke”
2nd: Ernie Adams of New Florence, Pennsylvania, 1982 Kenworth W900A and 2026 Mac
3rd: Kate Whiting of Chetek, Wisconsin, 1973 Kenworth W900A and 1973 Wilson, “Cherry Pie”
Custom Graphics: Bobtail
1st: Dawson & Bobbie Taylor of Cameron, North Carolina, 2020 Freightliner Cascadia, “Roll of the Dice”
2nd: Amanda Saumier of Kasota, Minnesota, 2022 Freightliner Cascadia, “The Cancer Truck”
3rd: Shelle Lichti of Olivette, Missouri, 2003 Freightliner Century, “Rainbow Rider”
Custom Graphics: Combination
1st: Jerry Linander of Winona, Minnesota, 1994 Kenworth W900L and 2025 Great Dane, “No Fences”
2nd: Dylan Mercier of St. Anne, Illinois, 2005 Mack Vision and 2022 Wilson, “Our Fallen Heroes”
3rd: Michael & Jackie Wallace of Ashville, Alabama, 2007 Freightliner Coronado and 2014 Great Dane, “Semper Fi”
Polish & Detail: Bobtail
1st: Dan Brubaker of Sigourney, Iowa, 1980 Peterbilt 359
2nd: Mark & Teri Lancaster of Ottumwa, Iowa, 1967 Peterbilt 358M, “Keepin’ It Teal”
3rd: Matt Schleuger of Wesley, Iowa, 1993 Kenworth K100E, “Not Daddy’s Money”
Polish & Detail: Combination
1st: Ernie Adams of New Florence, Pennsylvania, 1982 Kenworth W900A and 2026 Mac
2nd: Jerry Linander of Winona, Minnesota, 1994 Kenworth W900L and 2025 Great Dane, “No Fences”
3rd: Dustin Bridge of Lincoln, Illinois, 2026 Peterbilt 589 and 2026 Wilson
Interior: OEM Sleeper -- Bobtail
1st: Dawson & Bobbie Taylor of Cameron, North Carolina, 2020 Freightliner Cascadia, “Roll of the Dice”
2nd: Paul Sanne of Norfolk, Nebraska, 2027 Kenworth W900L
3rd: Corey Prangnell of Lethbridge, Alberta, 2026 Freightliner Cascadia
Interior: OEM Sleeper -- Combination
1st: Dylan Mercier of St. Anne, Illinois, 2005 Mack Vision and 2022 Wilson, “Our Fallen Heroes”
2nd: Ken Oligschlaeger of St. Elizabeth, Missouri, 2025 Kenworth W900 and 2025 Great Dane
3rd: Dan Ravenhorst of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, 2027 Mack Pioneer and 2021 Great Dane, “Remember the Fallen”
Interior: OEM Conversion Sleeper
1st: Damian Minteer of Harmony, Pennsylvania, 1955 Kenworth 923 and 2000 custom step deck, “POPO”
2nd: Damian Minteer of Harvey, North Dakota, 1959 Mack B-61
Interior: Custom Sleeper
1st: Daniel & Phyllis Snow of Harrison, Arkansas, 1996 Freightliner Classic XL and 2006 Utility, “The Goose”
2nd: Michael & Jackie Wallace of Ashville, Alabama, 2007 Freightliner Coronado and 2014 Great Dane, “Semper Fi”
3rd: Cowboy Weverka of Octavia, Nebraska, 2005 Kenworth W900L, “Hercules”
Lights at Night: Bobtail -- Theme
1st: Mark & Teri Lancaster of Ottumwa, Iowa, 1967 Peterbilt 358M, “Keepin’ It Teal”
2nd: Dawson & Bobbie Taylor of Cameron, North Carolina, 2020 Freightliner Cascadia, “Roll of the Dice”
3rd: John Osborne of Canton, Illinois, 1992 Peterbilt 379, “Night Owl”
Lights at Night: Bobtail -- Most Unique
1st: Cowboy Weverka of Octavia, Nebraska, 2005 Kenworth W900L, “Hercules”
2nd: John Osborne of Canton, Illinois, 1992 Peterbilt 379, “Night Owl”
3rd: Shelle Lichti of Olivette, Missouri, 2003 Freightliner Century, “Rainbow Rider”
Lights at Night: Bobtail -- Overall Presentation
1st: Paul Opelt of Neillsville, Wisconsin, 2007 Kenworth W900, “The Mistress”
2nd: Kevin Richards of Bullhead City, Arizona, 2024 Peterbilt 389, “Blueberry”
3rd: Cowboy Weverka of Octavia, Nebraska, 2005 Kenworth W900L, “Hercules”
Lights at Night: Combination -- Theme
1st: Michael & Jackie Wallace of Ashville, Alabama, 2007 Freightliner Coronado and 2014 Great Dane, “Semper Fi”
2nd: Dylan Mercier of St. Anne, Illinois, 2005 Mack Vision and 2022 Wilson, “Our Fallen Heroes”
3rd: Joe Eldridge of Gladewater, Texas, 2004 Peterbilt 379 and 2027 Barrett, “Southern Style”
Lights at Night: Combination -- Most Unique
1st: Daniel & Phyllis Snow of Harrison, Arkansas, 1996 Freightliner Classic XL and 2006 Utility, “The Goose”
2nd: Ernie Adams of New Florence, Pennsylvania, 1982 Kenworth W900A and 2026 Mac
3rd: Dylan Mercier of St. Anne, Illinois, 2005 Mack Vision and 2022 Wilson, “Our Fallen Heroes”
Lights at Night: Combination -- Overall Presentation
1st: Michael & Jackie Wallace of Ashville, Alabama, 2007 Freightliner Coronado and 2014 Great Dane, “Semper Fi”
2nd: Dylan Mercier of St. Anne, Illinois, 2005 Mack Vision and 2022 Wilson, “Our Fallen Heroes”
3rd: Daniel & Phyllis Snow of Harrison, Arkansas, 1996 Freightliner Classic XL and 2006 Utility, “The Goose”
Lights at Night: Specialty -- Overall Presentation
1st: Larry Pruitt of St. Clair, Missouri, 1986 Mack RD-6865, “Midnight Blue”
2nd: Mike Coyne of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, 1996 International 4900, “Arch Angel”
3rd: Jacob Tackett of Carleton, Michigan, 2011 Peterbilt 386
Best Overall Theme
Daniel & Phyllis Snow of Harrison, Arkansas, 1996 Freightliner Classic XL and 2006 Utility, “The Goose”
Trucker’s Choice
Dennis Sikorski of Bancroft, Wisconsin, 1995 Peterbilt 362 and 2007 Great Dane, “Old School & Flat Broke”
