WALCOTT, Iowa — The Iowa 80 Truck Stop is celebrating its 60th anniversary this week with its annual Truckers Jamboree.
Iowa 80 Truck Stop Vice President Heather Debaillie said the event is a good way to celebrate those behind the wheel.
"I mean the men and women who drive those big rigs you see all over the interstate. I mean that's a hard job," Debaillie said. "We know it's all hours of the day and night that they're driving. And this is our chance to celebrate America's truckers. And it's our chance to let the general public come out and see the really cool trucks."
Debaillie also said truck driving is a more important job than people realize.
"It's a necessary job. Without the hard work that they do, we wouldn't have everything we need in our stores. We wouldn't have anything delivered to us in our homes," Debaillie said.
Mechanic John Osborne grew up in a family of truckers and said the demanding hours can turn people away.
"The time away from home, I think that's a big killer for people," Osborne said. " I think the first three months are great for people because people think 'Oh, yeah I'm just on the road.' If you have somebody at home, it plays on your mind a little."
The American Trucking Association says driver shortages have been present since the pandemic, which drove many people away from the job altogether.
Osborne said celebrations like this show optimism for the future.
"Going around to shows, I go to several different shows every year and I think there's a very good passion in the world for it," Osborne said.
The Jamboree features food vendors, live music, and even a Super Trucks Beauty Contest where judges vote on the best-designed truck. It runs through Saturday.