By Frank J. Buchman
“Where I come from your truck is a reflection of who you are.”
Well then, John Doe quickly responded, “I gotta get a truck.”
Jesse Noll of the Meriden Antique Engines & Threshers Association (MAETA) knows just the right place to be.
“That’s the ‘Inaugural’ First Annual MAETA Truck Show, Saturday, June 8, at Cottonwood Station just a mile east of Meriden, Kansas, on K-4 Highway,” Noll exclaimed.
“There’ll be trucks of nearly every kind one could imagine and sure one to fit any unique fancy,” Noll added.
Owners of new and old trucks and every one and kind in-between has been extended a special invitation to “come show ’em off.”
Gates open at 7 o’clock in the morning, with festivities continuing until dark. There’ll be random drawings throughout the day, but ticket holders must be present to win.
“Bring your products to sell or swap. Swap meet and vendor locations are available at no charge,” Noll invited. “Large open spaces are available to display your goods.”
Booths may be set up on Friday afternoon, June 7.
A number of special prizes are to be awarded for unique trucks. They include oldest antique truck, antique farthest from home, judges’ choice antique, modern farthest from home and judges’ choice modern.
A fundraising truck auction is planned at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon. “If you would like to consign any trucks or truck related, you may do so with 10 percent commission to the threshers association,” Noll welcomed.
A Wheel House Dodge and an aluminum flat top sleeper have by donated for the auction by MAETA member Paul Dunlap. He can be contacted for general show information as well as consignments at 913-426-7154.
Camping is available with electrical hookups if desired for Friday and Saturday nights by calling Susan Naylor at 757-876-0705.
The chuck wagon is to be open from breakfast all day Saturday through supper.
“The Meriden Antique Engine and Threshers Association is a non-profit organization based in Meriden,” Noll explained. “We were founded in 1977 to promote early farming practices and an appreciation for antique engines and tractors.
“We love to farm the old fashioned way,” Noll continued. “We want to pass on the techniques used in the past so we don’t forget them.
“We also love to play with old tractors and old engines. And we want to pass that knowledge on as well,” Noll insisted.
Details can be found at www.meridenthreshers.org.