Change was in the air at the Manton Truck Show this year, one being we made a significant change to the way we select Andy’s favorite big rig this year by utilizing his iPad. My feet are still thanking me for that decision! In previous years Andy and I would inspect each and every rig as many times as needed! After the first round I’d ask him to show me his favorite and we would walk to the one he choose, then I’d ask again for confirmation. The confirmation part is the hard part most shows! That confirmation question leads to trips around the perimeter many, many times! What one of us can go to a show with that many and choose just one as our favorite let alone Andy who loves them all? The judges are lucky to have a score card!
The Manton Truck show was just one week ago and I am still sharing the tales of kindness shown to Andy throughout this years event. It amuses me how Gaylord Michigan Kenworth and Andy have influenced each other. Andy loves the Kenworth logo and and the Kenworth staff know his passion for their promotional materials! The never ending circle! That vender made a change to the products they brought to display/sell at this show, they deleted Andy’s loved model year promotional materials from their booth at this event. I probably panicked more than Andy as he probably just figured he’d make up the difference at the Peterbuilt booth! But low and behold, one of the Kenworth staff tracked us down a block from their setup and hand delivered a stash of obsolete materials they brought just for Andy! This vendor has spoiled Andy for close to 20 years, starting in the early years of our attendance at the St Ignace show. I doubt they will ever know the hours of enjoyment they provide to him. When we win the lottery, I know where we are buying our Kenworth! Lol
We had a similar scenario with the Deisel Freak staff. Their booth was situated a bit off from Andy’s this years path of big rig pleasure. However, their wonderful staff was on the lookout for him and when she saw us she chased us down the street as best she could hobbling with her knee high protective boot! Words can not describe how touched this mom is with these kinds of actions!
Now to the Andy’s Choice part.
The number of entries this year were down a little, but that makes it easier for Andy and me. By using the iPad we only had to make one trip around the block instead of the 100 or so of past years. That might be a slight exaggeration but then again may be not! This year I would identify three or four trucks and ask Andy to show me his favorite which I then took a picture of using the Ipad. I then narrow the possibilities down with groups of four at a time until we got to the final truck. By using his iPad, this is the first time I can share the top four! So in no particular order they are:
The photo angle is because I needed the entry number to be clear for reporting Andy’s choice but at least you can see the final four!
And Andy’s choice is……..which ironically was his second choice last year. I only knew that because last year this truck and the winner were side by side and we stood there for a while for Andy to give me a majority of thumbs up to verify the Rabbit River win. However last year the truck looked different, I guess Andy approved of the changes!
This year Andy’s choice verified to me he really does have a discerning eye as this truck has won many awards and been featured in magazines in the months since the Manton show.
Now, look at the picture with Andy, Phil, the trophy and truck, see that hand on the door? Well the sun was washing out the picture and I was trying to move the door to create some shade, turns out I was hitting Phil with the mirror but he kept on smiling for the picture! ! What a good sport! Next year I will try not to repeat that action.
Thank you all for following our Big Rig adventures!
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