Antique trucks heading to Springfield show

Old Cars Weekly's Ron Kowalke will be joining the American Truck Historical Society at its 2014 National Convention and Antique Truck Show on May 29-31 in in Springfield, Missouri.

WHAT: Hundreds of antique trucks and thousands of trucking enthusiasts will gather in Springfield, MO, May 29-31, for the American Truck Historical Society's 2014 National Convention and Antique Truck Show. The event will take place at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.

Trucks of nearly every vintage and make will be represented at the show, from the high spoke-wheel trucks of the early 1900s to the big 18-wheeler rigs seen today on America's highways. To be considered an antique, a truck must be at least 25 years old. Many truckrelated vendors will be onsite selling items such as memorabilia, books/manuals, photos, model trucks, parts, etc.

WHO: American Truck Historical Society (ATHS), publisher of Wheels of Time magazine and the largest antique truck club in the United States.

The American Truck Historical Society was founded in 1971 with a mission to preserve the history of trucks, the trucking industry, and its pioneers. The non-profit group is based in Kansas City, Mo., and has over 20,000 members worldwide.

Persons who join ATHS are interested in the history of trucks and the American trucking industry. Many members own antique trucks, restored and unrestored. Others collect trucking memorabilia or literature, while many others collect model trucks. Many members also belong to ATHS chapters in their areas.

The National Association of Show Trucks (NAST) will once again meet in conjunction with the ATHS national convention. This will add to the variety of trucks, because NAST trucks are generally newer working show trucks. ATHS is excited to again partner with this great group of truck enthusiasts.

WHY: Once a year, ATHS members gather for an annual convention and truck show. The event is held in a different region of the country each year to make it easier for members to attend at least one national show every three years. The 2014 show in Springfield is expected to draw members and other truck enthusiasts from throughout the Midwest and even as far as the East and West Coasts.

The ATHS Ozarks/4 State Chapter is supporting the 2014 convention. Members from other nearby Missouri and Kansas ATHS chapters will also provide support to the show.

In addition to the Antique Truck Show, the convention will include a speaker's program with topics on C.W. McCall, Missouri Route 66, Campbell 66 Express, and the History of Peterbilt.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Truck enthusiasts, truck owners who want to register, and anyone that wants to view hundreds of antique trucks of all shapes and sizes.

COST: Tickets are $10 per day for ages 16 and older; admission is free for youth 15 and younger accompanying a paying adult.

WHEN: May 29 - 31, 2014. The show is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

WHERE: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant, Springfield, MO 65803.

To register online or learn more about ATHS, go to www.aths.org. For more information about the 2014 show in Springfield, call (816) 891-9900.