For a show to carry on for a few years without fizzling out takes some hard work, so we couldn't even begin to imagine how many hours of organizing, promoting, and actually putting on a show that has been around for almost three decades would take. That's exactly what Pat Ford and his crew have done with their now 29-year-old F-100 Supernationals.
Once again, the event was held at the beautiful and spacious Chilhowee Park in Knoxville, Tennessee, which provided plenty of parking along with nice scenery. This year, unlike last year, turned out to be the perfect weather for a show. Temperatures were in the low 70s without a cloud in the sky. We actually got a chance to take a break and ride around the show in the tram brought over by the park's neighboring attraction, the Knoxville Zoo. Having this type of recreation next door also provided something for the families to do if they wanted to venture off the show grounds.
Not only were vendors scattered throughout the show site, but there was also a huge indoor vendor location that doubled as the awards area on Saturday night. Some of the vendors in the center of the building were moved, and a huge stack of chairs was set out. This is where the F-100 Supernationals do things a little differently; where most shows run Saturday and Sunday, this one actually runs Thursday through Saturday. This allows all the participants to get home and unpacked before the workweek starts again. This is important because the show pulls people as far away as California and Canada. The Ford guys are diehard when it comes to an all-Ford event. The Longest Distance award actually went to Junior Garcia from El Cajon, California, a whopping 2,426 miles one way.
One of the big highlights of the awards banquet is the coveted Truck of the Year award. This is the one award that so many people strive for, but it takes that special all-out custom to claim the title. This year it went to Jeff Schwierman from Sharpsville, Indiana, with his '53.
If you're a Ford owner, make sure to book your 2008 calendar for May 15-17 at Chilhowee Park. As always, the F-100 Supernationals are held the weekend after Mother's Day. For more info on the show, check out www.f100supernationals.com, or give the crew at Pat Ford Promotions a call at 704-872-7327.