The local Truck Show might have to leave here.
Chief Operating Officer Wayne Billings said on Oct. 28 just prior to handing out over $45,000 to volunteer groups who worked for this year’s show, that the show is losing the rights to use about 40 acres it uses for parking and the truck pull.
As well, other lands the show uses need some rehabilitation.
“We’re looking to move the whole show,” he said in an interview. “Our only option is to move.”
Billings said the show’s board and officers are negotiating with three possible property owners for a sight, but, he said, “We do want to keep it in Centre Wellington. It is the Fergus Truck Show.
But, he added, “We’re already behind in planning for next year.”
The show’s website contained a message on Tuesday morning, “Campsite bookings will be delayed as we are still in rental discussions with the neighboring farms. We hope to have an agreement in place by the end of October or early November and campsites will go on sale Dec. 1, 2008.”
And, he added, “Potentially, if we move it, we may have to change the dates.”
The show has generally run the third weekend of July, and many truckers and their families book holidays so they can attend what is billed as North America’s largest truck show.
Billings noted that he would be speaking that night to the service clubs and volunteer groups that are the backbone of the show. They were in attendance to pick up their share of the profits for the number of volunteer hours each club provided. They shared over $45,000 this year.
Township officials were also present prior to the meeting, included councillor Walt Visser, who represented Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj, who was out of town. Chief Administrative Officer Michael Wood, and Recreation Director Andy Goldie, and Economic Development Officer Dave Rushton were also present.
Billings said that council was fully aware of the problem the show faces, and noted that the land is privately held.
When the meeting began, Billings told the crown it had been a tough year because of the economic crunch in the trucking industry, which cost over $100,000 in sponsorships.
But, he said, bringing in classic rock acts, beefing up the entertainment in general, and bringing midway rides and a demolition derby all helped to bring out crowds.
“The board and staff pulled together,” he said of the profit realized, adding the show was able to “keep its head above water.”
The truck show also sold tickets at its truck pulls and presented $487 to Groves Hospital as its share of those draws.
Billings noted, though, that on the Thursday of the show, there was major damage done to fields and the owners want to till it back up, which, he said, is a two year process.
He said the truck pull land contract expires this year, and the show is considering moving the camping away from the community centre area.
But, he added, the complications have left the show “five to six weeks behind schedule.”
Billings said one of the three possible sites is in Centre Wellington, and the other two are outside the municipality.
“The Truck Show is a part of my life,” he said. “Leaving Fergus – it would not be the same.”
He asked the group representatives what the show means to the groups, and if they would consider staying with the show if it had to move.
Rob McKinnon, of the Community Resource Centre, said the show is important to his group for the money it makes volunteering. He said it allows the group to purchases extras, such as one instance where an ill single mother who needed diapers for her baby.
“It gets them over the hump,” he said of that extra cash from the Truck Show.
A spokesman for the local snowmobile club said the money it earns helps build snowmobile trails and bridges, which attract snowmobilers to the area.
A spokesman for the Belwood Lions club said the money is a major part of his club’s budget.
Many of those on hand said they would move with the show if they had to do that.
Deb Smeltzer, of the Fergus Curling Club, said she would miss the show if it leaves Fergus. “I’ve been to every one.”
But, she added, “If it has to move, we will move along with it.”
Centre Wellington’s CAO Michael Wood said the township is very aware of the situation and how much the show has contributed to the community.
“We want you to stay. We’re trying to work with you,” he said.
But Billings noted that council’s hands “are tied by the taxpayer. If I asked for cash to … buy the property … the taxpayer doesn’t realize who big the Truck show is.”
But, Billings was not giving up. He noted the show might have to be a little smaller, but he added that negotiations are continuing with the landowners, and he said he understands their rights – and holds no animosity towards anyone.
