Twenty-eight years ago, a handful of trucks braved the winds and the rain to kick off a new tradition. In 2024, that tradition will roar louder than ever! St. Ignace is pulling out all the stops for the best truck show yet. If you want to see the biggest and baddest semi-trucks on the road, mark your calendars for the weekend of September 12-14, 2024. Start out right by planning your weekend right here.
To jump-start the fun, watch this, then keep reading to find out more about what will be waiting for you at the 28th Annual Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show!
Show and Shine
During the day, trucks will be parked in downtown St. Ignace, showing off some amazing customizations. You’ll see everything from eye-catching paint jobs to shiny chrome and custom interiors. Stroll through downtown and take your time to check out these unique rigs up-close. You can take photos, chat with the drivers, and learn the stories behind their one-of-a-kind trucks!
Friendly Competitions
Throughout the weekend, limited competitions are held, with prizes awarded for categories such as Best in Show, Best Lights, and Best Interior.
Vendors and Exhibits
The event will have truck-related merchandise, food vendors, and live music! Exhibitors have been known to display new trucking technology and accessories at the Truck Show, making it a great place for truckers to see what’s new in the industry.
Special Guest Alert!
Alex Debogorski, one of the stars of “Ice Road Truckers,” will be making an appearance at this year’s show. Known for his incredible tales and larger-than-life personality, his engaging stories will be a perfect match for the event. Fans will have the chance to meet Debogorski and maybe even get an autograph!
Who Was Richard Crane?
Richard Crane was a prominent figure in the trucking industry, known for his significant contributions as a trucker and educator. Crane was passionate about trucking, and also dedicated to improving the industry through education and support.
A Legacy of Excellence
During the 2018 Truck Show, we chatted with Rick Crane, son of the late Richard Crane to learn more about how the Truck Show began and how it has grown over the years:
“My father, Richard Crane, was deeply involved with show trucks. He had his first show truck in 1976 and had many others over the years, but a big part of this memorial is his dedication to helping truckers and their families. That’s the main reason behind this show.”
When asked about the growth of the show over the years, Rick credited the support of the community, and the dedication of individuals like the late Ed Reavie.
That same year, we were privileged enough to speak with Ed Reavie. He was a lifelong St. Ignace resident, and a key organizer of the event.
He told us, “In 1975, I was driving around town and spotted a rare, black ’76 Eldorado convertible with a Texas plate that said ‘Crane.’ I had to know more, so I turned around and introduced myself to Richard Crane. We quickly became good friends, and he became the first sponsor of my car show through his American Truck Driving Schools. His dream was always to have a big truck show here in St. Ignace.”
“After Richard passed away, his children were determined to keep the dream alive. As we approach the 24th year (the interview took place in 2018), it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come! The Parade of Lights over the Mackinac Bridge is a truly emotional sight…it’s moments like these that make the show special.”
Reavie added, “The show keeps getting better, with trucks becoming more elaborate each year. Some have a million miles on them, yet they look pristine. I don’t know how they do it!”
Ed Reavie’s passion and dedication helped shape the event into what it is today, and his influence will be felt throughout the weekend as we celebrate his legacy.
A Quick Guide to The 28th Annual Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show
Thursday, September 12
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Truck Registration at Mackinac County Airport – Staging Grounds
2:00 pm
Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show Convoy leaves Grayling for St. Ignace
Friday, September 13
All Day
Registration at Mackinac County Airport Staging Grounds
12:00 pm
Street Closure and Truck Parking from Marquette to McCann Streets
Dusk:
Light Show: Watch as the big rigs light up the night sky.
Saturday, September 14
All Day
Truck Show: Check out the rigs.
4:30 pm
Driver’s Meeting, Parade of Lights Auction, and Awards Ceremony
Dusk:
Parade of Lights, Sponsored by Bill Hudgins & Wilda Dodson. The parade will cross the Mackinac Bridge, loop through Mackinaw City, and head back over the bridge to St. Ignace.
While you’re here, why not take advantage of everything St. Ignace has to offer? With accommodations to suit every preference and budget, it’s the perfect spot to stay for the weekend. Plus, you can easily hop on a ferry to Mackinac Island for a day trip, or explore local attractions like the Museum of Ojibwa Culture and Straits State Park.
After a day of admiring all those remarkable trucks, unwind with a delicious meal at one of St. Ignace’s fantastic restaurants or take a stroll along the waterfront. Looking for even more adventure? We recommend hitting up a local trail for beautiful views, or exploring the great Hiawatha National Forest. We have a feeling that you will want to come back again and again!
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