GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The dew was still on the ground and the sun barely above the horizon when the first trucks started pulling into the Gridley fairgrounds. They drove down the fairway bumper to bumper, exhaust mixing with the early morning air.

At the stroke of eight the local VFW proudly raised the flag and stood at attention as the National Anthem was played. Stoic in their duty and proud in the uniforms.

By ten o’clock the line was gone. Old trucks, new trucks, foreign, and domestics lined the Midway and filled the Pavilion. The judges could be seen poking through the multitude of people, going over each truck with a sharp eye looking for the winners.

There was food, there was coffee, there were vendors peddling their wares and there were people, lots and lots of people. People talked, memories recalled, old stories told from the older to the younger. Advice was given. 

At 12:30 the real event started: the Awards Ceremony at the Courtyard Stage.

Over 34 awards were given out – these are just some of the winners:

GDP choice: Linda Knowles Red 1955 Chevy 3100; Best In Show: Jeff Chambers 1947 Green Cabover; Mayors Pick: Robert Tilton 1970 Chevy C-10; People Choice: Robert Tilton 1970 Chevy C-10; Best Paint: Linda Knowles Red 1955 Chevy 3100; Best Engine: Robert Hilton 1970 Chevy C-10; Best Custom: Robert Tilton 1970 Chevy C-10; Best Truck Club: Butte Creek VIPS

Organizers said that the feedback from the event was overwhelming positive and that they had somewhere around 250 trucks turn out for the showing. As promised, proceeds from the raffle and next meeting.