Trucking for Kids Convoy (Maine)

[Katahdin]

Hey guys, I drove my 109 in the Maine Trucking for Kids Convoy yesterday and it was a lot of fun. The rally benefits Camp Sunshine and D.A.R.E programs, Camp Sunshine is a retreat for families who have children with life threatening illnesses. This year there were about 70 trucks and the event raised more the $16,000.

The event is held every September at Scarborough Downs, near Cabelas. At noon all the trucks are fired up and parade at 25mph, with air horns blaring, along a 9.5 mile route around the Maine Mall area. (See map)

The only problem I saw was that I was the only MV! The event is open to all trucks so I'm posting this here to drum up some interest for next year. Here's a link to the the event's web page.

The kids (and other drivers) really enjoyed seeing the MV. I was even approached by a deaf teenager, who through sign language (and his Mom as an interpreter), asked me questions about my M109, how much it weighed, how MVs get towed, etc, I even showed him my towbar! Of course I let him climb in and get behind the wheel. I think it was a fascinating experience for both he and I.

 

[Flyingvan911]

Very nice. Looks like it was a lot of fun.

 

[AnonymousOne]

You got a nice clean truck there ... love the paint !!

What the ... Mudding Firetruck? Very cool.

 

[Katahdin]

Big Red

Thanks! My truck has been a slow 2-year work-in-progress but I'm gaining!

The Monster Fire Truck is "Big Red." Its a 1937 International Harvester Fire Truck that was originally used by the Danville, Kentucky Fire Department. I believe it sits on military 5-ton axles. I don't know who built it up, but it was bought by a local Maine construction firm at a Florida auction for $26K. They run the truck as a charity tool for Camp Sunshine and in local parades, I imagine its a fun tax write-off for them. Big Red actually led this convoy.

Here's the homepage for Big Red.

 

[AnonymousOne]

That is one monster red truck !! Great cause too.