AMHERST, N.S. – Each year, more and more truckers drop into Amherst for a day of fun in the sun at the Bordertown Working Truck Show and Shine.
“A lot of truckers like showing off their trucks, and we provide them with a venue to do so,” said Bill Dowe, who, along with Mike Ouellet, organized the 3rd annual event. “We’ve got 53 registered trucks. That’s up from last year’s 36.”
Brothers Wade and Will Coffin drove their trucks to Amherst from Jonesport, Maine, a coastal community east of Bangor.
“Wade came last year and told me I was coming up this year, so I scheduled to come here. It’s a good bunch of fellows,” said Will.
Wade says they often drive truck in and around Amherst.
“We know a lot of people up here,” he said.
Two first-time participants, Truro’s Doug Cochrane and Bridgewater’s Rick Joudrey, loved the show.
“I’ve been to all the truck shows but this one is perfect,” Doug Cochrane. “Everybody gets to socialize and have a good time. It’s good together with a bunch of truckers.”
Joudrey agrees.
“I know most of the people who come here, so why not come out and be a part of something good,” said Joudrey. “And it puts a positive spin on our industry for the general public.”
The show is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics of Amherst.
“As you can see on my truck, I have my Special Olympics banner. It’s a good cause,” said Dowe.
Truckers take part in convoys for the Special Olympics throughout the Maritimes, many of which Dowe participates in.
“PEI had their third convoy three weeks ago and Dartmouth will soon have their sixth convoy. I’ll be going down there for a fourth time,” said Dowe.
Many awards are given out at the show.
“Our awards are done by the end of the day, and then in the evening there’s and opportunity for people to hang out and have a good time,” said Dowe.