10-4 Magazine October 2021

Truck Show Report: By Stephanie Haas it was that day of the show in 2019 that I received the news of 10-4’s Erik (Big E) passing away. As I made my way around the grounds, searching for the truck I would choose for the 10-4 Sponsor award, ringing in my ears were my editor’s words, “It isn’t just about the truck, but the quality of the driver or owner, as well.” I came across a white Western Star that was dedicated to our United States Military. After a brief conversation with the nice couple that drives it, I knew this was the truck that should get the award. James “Scooter” Koopman of Tanis Trucking in Jenison, MI is the driver of this 2016 Western Star, pulling a 2017 Utility reefer, along with his copilot and wife, Jeri. I had a chance to visit with my friend Ty Hofhine to catch up with him and his daughter, Tennille, who is his sidekick when it comes to cleaning and prepping the truck for the show. They brought in their newly built 2022 Kenworth W900 heavy haul truck sporting a 605 Cummins and an 18-speed transmission that he drives for Motus Excavation. Eric Gibbons had his whole family at the show, including his wonderful wife, Valerie. It is always great to be able to Those who are familiar with Utah and the surrounding states know that the higher elevation plays a key role in how we feel the temperature outside. For those that don’t, the sun intensity is pretty, well, intense. During this year’s Great Salt Lake Truck Show, held on August 13-14, 2021, there wasn’t anyone without a water bottle in their hand. But despite the heat, everyone enjoyed the show, the trucks, and catching up with old and new friends. The trucks were hot, the people were hot, the temperature was hot... heck, everything was hot! Those close to me know that I am a big fan of this show and I truly love coming out to this area to catch up with friends, see some cool trucks, and view the beautiful scenery. What some may not know, is I am a mere replacement at this show, covering the event on behalf of 10-4 Magazine. Erik Sieben was a regular to this show, and I stepped in to help when he began getting sick in 2018. I never imagined I would continue going to the show to represent the magazine, and the legacy of Erik, as well. This year, Sunne Wallace took on the task of being the lead organizer of this event, and she did an amazing job. Arriving early in the week, we had the chance to catch up over dinner, enjoy many laughs, and discuss the upcoming show. I was definitely looking forward to seeing everyone at the event since it didn’t happen in 2020. This year marks the 32nd annual Great Salt Lake Truck Show in Lehi, UT, which raises money to safely send dialysis and transplant patients and their families to “Kidney Kamp” in the Rocky Mountains. By Wednesday evening, August 11th, trucks were already in the area and getting ready to start coming into the grounds first thing Thursday morning in preparation for the show to start. Some of these folks included Clyde Green with his 1982 Kenworth W900A, Jeremy Lusk of Tri State Commodities and his newly restored 1981 Kenworth W900A, and Eric Gibbons of EMHTransportation and his beautiful 1997 Pete 379. Along with Eric were a handful of his other trucks, including two owner operators, that were set to get parked right away on Thursday morning. Full of sunshine and plenty of amazing trucks, Thursday was a great day, and an easy one for me, but the show coordinators and volunteers were in full swing, parking trucks, and making sure everything was set up. Another beautiful day, Friday was very busy for the show coordinators, as a bunch of trucks showed up first thing in the morning that needed to be parked. As the day progressed, the heat came in and everyone sought out shade wherever they could find it, or created it with tents that were brought in. Coolers were a common sight, with everyone trying to keep themselves hydrated. There was a slushy vendor on-site who had at least one customer in line all day long! The dunk tank provided some entertainment, as well, and with all the heat, it was easy to find volunteers to go in it. Friday was a good day, but it was also a solemn day for me, remembering 54 10-4 Magazine / October 2021 EVERYTHING WAS HOT