Antique truck show revving up at Yankee Candle headquarters

By CHRIS LARABEE

Staff Writer

Published: 04-28-2023 5:47 PM

SOUTH DEERFIELD — The Antique Truck Club of America’s 18th annual western Massachusetts truck show rolls back to town on Sunday, May 7.

As is tradition, the Yankee Candle Corporate Headquarters on Yankee Candle Way will host the event. Folks from around the region are invited to see a wide variety of antique trucks from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The show will be held rain or shine, however, Doug Richardson, a member of the local Antique Truck Club of America chapter, said the weather often determines how many truck owners show up.

“The whole thing is dependent on Mother Nature, really; if the weather’s nice, you get a good turnout,” Richardson said, adding that the show brings in around 125 trucks on a nice day. The Antique Truck Club of America’s western Massachusetts chapter also has new leadership, which Richardson said may help drive in more people.

Parking and admission is free, and trucks will be parked around Yankee Candle’s lot. Food vendors and raffles will be available, which Richardson said are always a big hit.

Trucks at the show range from models from the 1930s all the way to the early 1990s. Richardson said a truck is considered “antique” if it is more than 25 years old.

“I think we opened it up to vehicles other than strictly antique trucks. If you have an old tractor, you can bring it,” he said. “And I suppose a few cars may sneak in.”

Richardson himself is bringing his 1986 Ford LTL 9000 and may, depending on the weather, roll out his 1972 Brockway, too.

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Richardson emphasized the antique truck show provides an opportunity to go back to the past. Anyone who is interested in automobile history or a taste of nostalgia is welcome to stop by.

“If they want to see old trucks from yesteryear, if they grew up seeing this stuff, it’s a chance. Most of this stuff, you don’t see on the road anymore,” Richardson explained. “People seem to have a very good time there.”

Updates and other information about the local Antique Truck Club of America chapter can be found on its new Facebook page at Facebook.com/WesternMassATCA.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.

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