March 28, 2024
Local News | Bureau County Republican


Local News

Annual Convoy Against Cancer is May 2

LADD — The 2015 Convoy Against Cancer BIG Truck Show returns to Route 89/Main Street in Ladd. The event is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2.

A convoy is defined as a group of vehicles traveling together for mutual support and protection — make sure everyone makes it through.

“This convoy supports each other in a special way with a cure for cancer at the end of the route. The vehicles stay put, but the message still works!” 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 rerouted so the vehicles will be displayed on Ladd’s 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 Fergusons to round out the display!” Hocking said. “There will be all makes and models of antique and new big trucks as well as pick-up trucks, too.”

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 and a Relay For Life team bake sale. 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 roughly $38,000 has been raised throughout the past 12 years. He’s hoping the weather will cooperate 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.