If the best things about truck shows are the cool collection of custom rides, then a prime location has to be a close second. Seeing hundreds of trucks gathered in one place is the perfect source for ideas if you’re interested in modifying your own vehicle. Having a huge collection displayed in the right setting can make for a really
fun weekend.

For its 40^th anniversary event, the F-100 Supernationals returned to one of its favorite show sites, Tennessee’s scenic mountain resort town of Pigeon Forge. It was the event’s home for many years, but complications made it difficult to secure a location. Show promoter Charlie Cobble found the perfect site for the 40^th anniversary extravaganza at the Splash Country Water Park, part of the Dollywood attractions. More than 400 of Ford’s most popular classic pickups were on display with enthusiastic drivers arriving from 34 states.

Friday’s opening ceremonies always begin with the unveiling of a half dozen never-before-seen rides, with the details explained to the crowd as the truck covers are removed. All of the midnight oil and barked knuckles were forgotten when the smiling builders heard the spectators’ applause.

While the debuting vehicles were exciting, it was the huge collection of trucks on display in the Splash Country Water Park parking lot that soon became the center of the weekend’s activity. Enjoying everything from meticulously restored originals to radical customs and almost everything in between, spectators wandered the rows finding something new at every turn.

The new location, in addition to providing display space for the gathering of Ford-powered vehicles, had room for major manufacturers, swap meet sellers, and food vendors that stayed busy throughout the show.

Significant door prizes were given away at the Saturday afternoon awards ceremony beginning with a set of custom wheels from A&R Tire, a barbecue grille from the Grille Man, a $1,000 gift certificate from Smokey Road Rod Shop, truck covers and five $100 gift certificates from Mid-Fifty, along with many other smaller prizes.

Taking the top points award was the beautiful silver ’68 F-100 owned by Jody Adams, complete with a meticulously detailed 460 V-8 under the hood. Capturing Best of Show was Steve Whitlock’s shiny black ’56 F-100, boasting an 800-hp Jon Kasse Boss Nine V-8 and unique Lexan bed. The Whitlocks arrived all the way from Provo, Utah. More than 160 other drivers went home with aluminum plaques for their trophy wall.

Great shows are made even better with help from wonderful sponsors. The 2017 event owes a debt of gratitude to Mid-Fifty F-100 Parts and Jacky Jones Ford for their unending support of the F-100 Supernationals. For more information and details on the 2018 event, check out Ff100supernationals.com.