Mayor’s Column August 17, 2024
Rohn Bishop, Mayor of Waupun
Hello Waupun,
That’s a wrap, as they say, on the final Waupun Truck-n-Show. For 35 years Waupun would transform into the “Trucking Capital of the World” with the truck show. Over the past week or so, I’ve had several people come up to me and ask me about saving the truck show, or bringing it back in some way. “Can’t something be done?”
I appreciate the sentiment. It’s a huge weekend for our city and would bring in thousands of visitors every year. I appreciate the many people offering to “do something” to help. I’d love to see it, too.
The Waupun Truck-n-Show name was registered and the board voted to retire it. If it were to return it would need a new name. The Truck-n-Show is also getting rid of just about everything it owns, including all the signs, banners, and even Stanely the Gorilla.
If a group wants to do the work to bring back the show, the city would be supportive, but be aware of what you’d be getting into. The show takes volunteers, lots of volunteers, and becomes close to a full-time job the week of the event. The Truck Show board met every month, as planning for the next show began almost as soon as the show ended. And the volunteers, or lack thereof, is why the show ran out of gas. Back in its heyday, the Truck Show had over 40 volunteers, broken into committees, to plan the show. Over the years the number of volunteers dwindled down that after the 2022 event, the board pleaded for help. They got a few people, but when most people saw the commitment involved, chose to not be involved.
Whatever happens, it’s appropriate to take a year off, allowing the current Truck-n-Show board to reflect on an amazing 35-year run. I think the City of Waupun will be getting a few of the red “Waupun Truck-n-Show” banners and we may display them around the former community center site.
Finally, to all who were involved with the Waupun Truck-n-Show, all I can say is “thank you!” Thank you for a great event that was so cool for Waupun.
In other news: Monday night will be the August Common Council meeting. We had to move the meeting date because of the primary election. On the agenda, we’ll be discussing updating our dog leashing ordnance, urban chickens, the city’s purchase policy, and update the council where we are on planning the 2025 budget.
As we work toward that budget, I want another aggressive budget that tackles some of the needs that are out there, including a new fire truck, city hall repairs, public safety staffing and code enforcement. So stay tuned as we work our way through.
Thank you and God Bless,
Mayor Rohn
