Country music stars headline Woodstock Truck Show for Special Olympics Saturday
Special Olympian Chris Klein-Geltink knows exactly which truck he wants to be rewarded at the Woodstock Truck Show.
“This one, the number 22,” says Geltink, leaning against the rig.
In fact, he’s the main reason the event exists.
“It was Chris himself who asked me to do the ride for Special Olympics out of Paris,” says Scott Verbruggen, the founder of the event.
“I went to the show with a few hundred dollars to donate and I saw the support they're getting from other people and I want to do more.”
The event began in 2014, but after a break due to the pandemic, they are back, with Verbruggen bringing in close to 70 big rigs, and four country music acts. Performers include headliner Eric Ethridge, and Londoner Aaron Allen.
“First of all, it's for Special Olympics,” says Allen, when speaking about why he agreed to play the show at the Fairgrounds Saturday.
“Of course I'm gonna be here and I've heard great things about the truck show. We showed up today and just the massive amount of trucks and everything that's going on. It's going to be a great time. So happy to hit the stage again after two and a half years.”
The stage is set for the country music show featuring Eric Ethridge and Aaron Allen at the Woodstock Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 28, 2022. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
With the money going to great causes like Special Olympics and Woodstock and District Developmental Services (WDDS), they’ve had plenty of volunteers and donations.
“I keep my costs to a minimum so I can really give more to this cause because every dollar I spend $1 Less I can give to the charity,” says Verbruggen.
Money that can help Klein-Geltink participate in all the sports he loves.
“I do Bowling, I used to do basketball, and floor hockey,” says Klein-Geltink.
Verbruggen says his goal for the show is to raise $30,000 for Special Olympics Ontario and WDDS. He also has big dreams for the growing show.
“My goal is fill this whole infield one day,” says Verbruggen.
Ethridge is the headline act performing at 9 p.m. Saturday, with tickets still available.
The Woodstock Truck Show is back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. They have close to 70 transport trucks, and a country music concert in Woodstock, Ont. on Saturday, May 28, 2022. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.