Convoy Against Cancer is May 3

LADD — The 2014 “Convoy Against Cancer” BIG Truck Show returns to Route 89/Main Street in Ladd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3.

By definition, a convoy is a group of vehicles traveling together for mutual support and protection — to make sure that everyone makes it through.

“This convoy is about support for each other in a special way with a cure for cancer at the end of the route” said Phil Hocking, event organizer. The show is intended to offer vehicle owners and enthusiasts something different while benefiting a good cause — the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

With the help of the village of Ladd and Mayor Mike Grivetti, Route 89 will be re-routed, so the vehicles will be displayed on Main Street, Ladd. There will be plenty of room to line the street with all makes and models of new and restored, BIG trucks. Truck cranes, fire trucks, wreckers, pick-ups and redi-mix trucks from Peoria, Bloomington, Dixon, Princeton, Peru and all over the North Central Illinois area will be part of the show.

A new addition to the line-up will be farm tractors — new and antique. All are welcome.

“Last year one of our farmers brought a collection of antique Farrmall International tractors, and the people really enjoyed them. We’ll be looking for some John Deere and Massey Ferguson’s to round out the display. There will be all makes and models of antique and new big trucks as well as pickup trucks, too,” Hocking said.

All entrants will receive a dash plaque donated by Graphic Electronics of Spring Valley. The truck registration fee is a donation to the American Cancer Society.

Local businesses have donated door prizes and silent auction items ranging from toys to trucking essentials.

In addition to lots of chrome and stacks, there will be entertainment for the whole family with music by DJ Gary Swanson, door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, Relay For Life Team bake sale and more. Event T-shirts will be for sale. Food will be provided by Torri’s and Softails. Admission to the show is free to the public. For entry and general information call 815-488-8245, 815-894-2092, or bigtruckshow@hotmail.com. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

Hocking estimates that $34,000 has been raised throughout the past 11 years. He’s hoping the weather cooperates and the draw of “home base” will bring out young and old to this year’s truck show.

“Every dollar raised at the show will bring us a little closer to a cure for cancer,” he said.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For the most up-to-date cancer related information and to join the fight against cancer, call 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.