10-4 Magazine / January 2026 53 transfers, flatbeds, and a custom rat rod 1951 GMC service truck, fitted with a screaming Detroit, and laying in the grass. I also liked Jared Morrison’s red and silver hay-hauling Peterbilt (and matching squeeze) and his greenish-grey with black fenders 2024 Peterbilt 389 hooked to a stepdeck, A.J. Johl’s 2016 light grey Peterbilt 389 with even lighter grey flames (which earned Best Paint), and Dylan Badders and his “Fine Wine” 2005 W900L. One of my very favorites that is always at this show is Anthony Baca’s brown, yellow and orange 2-axle 1985 Peterbilt 359 with the old “swoop” paint scheme – so cool! On late Saturday afternoon, Miss Shannon and Annette decorated our booth and lounge area for Halloween, complete with flashing lights and candy. Later that afternoon, Annette helped our friend Mitch Railsback celebrate his 65th birthday with a cookie cake and Mitch’s favorite liquid refreshments (mostly the famous margaritas offered at the show). Once it got dark, the light show ensued, lighting up the fairgrounds in a spectacle of glowing LEDs. Staying late that night to enjoy all the show had to offer and accommodate the increased flow of public traffic walking around, we didn’t shut down the booth and head back to the hotel until after 11:00 PM. It was a long but fun day – but also very relaxing, as we just hung out a lot in “the lounge” we set up next to our booth in front of our show trailer (which is stocked with drinks, snacks and a full bar inside) and visited with friends for much of the day and night. The awards began at about 10:00 AM on Sunday morning and started with the handing out of a few raffle prizes. Then, it was time to announce all the winners and hand out the trophies. The specialty trophies were once again way over-the-top, especially the Best of Show trophy, which featured a hand-painted and polished stainless plate flanked by two eight-inch diameter (maybe even ten-inch) stacks. The entire award was like four feet wide and five feet tall – and weighed a lot! As mentioned before, that went to Andrew Wixom for his cool heavy-haul Peterbilt 389. Once the awards were handed out and the pictures were taken, it was time to pack up and head home. Thanks to Madison Lowrie and everyone at Bobtail Apparel and Lowrie Trucking for always treating 10-4 Magazine like family and giving us “center stage” privileges. If you find yourself in the area of Dixon, CA (half an hour west of Sacramento) in the fall of 2026, carve out some time to attend this show, as it is always a fun weekend. And thanks to Bobtail Apparel for deciding to feature “The Godfather” truck on just about everything at BATS 2025 – it was a welcome surprise, and Annette spent enough money on merch to probably pay for the show! n
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