Two major eastern trucking events scheduled for next week

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Updated May 5, 2023
Mother's Day truck convoy

Truckers and fans of trucks have two opportunities to see a slew of custom and working trucks next week.

On May 11-13, the Kenly 95 truck stop hosts its 11th Annual East Coast Truckers Jamboree. This major truck stop is located in Kenly, North Carolina, just off Interstate 95 about 45 miles southeast of Raleigh.

On Mother's Day, May 14, the annual Make-A-Wish Truckers Convoy is held at the Manheim Auto Auction in Manheim, Pennsylvania. The event is a benefit for the Make-A-Wish organization for Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley.

East Coast Truckers Jamboree

The jamboree is a first-class truck show combined with three days of free family entertainment and music.

Registration for the truck show opens at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 11.

Kenly 95 truck stopKenly 95The highlight of the day will be the evening concert by The Entertainers. This seven-member band delivers a varied set list of beach music, rhythm and blues, and country tunes. Their performance begins at 7 p.m.

Friday, May 12, is a big day at the jamboree. In addition to a performance by On The Border, an Eagles tribute band, the jamboree lights up. Following the concert, there's a fireworks display and the Lights At Night truck lighting contest.

The jamboree concludes Saturday, May 13, with a variety of activities. Judging for the jamboree's truck show takes place and is followed at 3 p.m. with the closing ceremonies and announcement of the show's winning entries.

Featured on Saturday are Heaven's Saints Motorcycle Show and Dangerzone professional wrestling. There's also a day-long car show.

Throughout the jamboree will be numerous prize giveaways.

Make-A-Wish Mother's Day Truckers Convoy

The generous nature of truckers will be on display Mother's Day, May 14, for the annual Make-A-Wish benefit convoy in Manheim, Pennsylvania.

Last year, the event raised $543,875, and most of that came from fundraising sponsorships gathered by drivers. The convoy is the largest fundraising event for the Make-A-Wish organization for Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley, which grants wishes to children facing critical illnesses.

Truck with Make-A-Wish sign on its bumperLast year, the top 30 drivers alone raised more than $300,000. The leading trucker raised more than $50,000. 

Last year's convoy attracted more than 500 trucks. Onsite registration begins at 6 a.m., and the convoy gets underway at 1:30 p.m.

The event includes a family carnival, music, and food vendors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Manheim Auto Auction is located at 1190 Lancaster Road in Manheim.