Ross County and Chillicothe — In its the fourth year, the Chillicothe Kenworth Truck Parade geared up the day before, at the Ross County Fairgrounds.
Participants dined under a big tent before awards were distributed, parade instructions were given, and photos were taken.
Tom Arnold, who coordinates the parade, explains the parade, as well as two of the trucks on display at the participants’ camp site, in the below video.
He said the parade happens at night to showcase light features on the trucks, but starts early enough to appreciate the older trucks.
After the drivers come in on High Street, Arnold says the trucks are staged on Yoctangee Boulevard for about an hour before the parade, which allows more appreciation of them.
He says 2023 was the 100th anniversary of Kenworth, and 2024 was the 50th anniversary of Kenworth Chillicothe – but 2025 is just a bigger parade, with 51 trucks.
He says he loves the interaction among the drivers, and the camaraderie before the parade. Hear him in his own words below.
From Kenworth:
The parade includes “new, classic and customized Kenworth trucks – owned by truck drivers from across the country.”
“This event celebrates the drivers who keep America moving, the hardworking people who have built The World’s Best Trucks in Chillicothe for over 50 years, and the community Kenworth calls home. The parade features unique trucks, ranging from custom classics to the most stylish modern rigs.
“In past years, we’ve welcomed iconic trucks like the Idaho Potato Truck, Tonka, and even the original rig from Smokey and the Bandit. This year’s lineup promises to be even more exciting and will celebrate Kenworth’s iconic W900 model.
“The event will culminate in a free live concert, with the final truck rolling through town equipped as a mobile concert stage. Once it reaches Second & Paint St., Nashville artist Blaine Bunting will take the stage and kick off the night’s entertainment.”
Find our article on this year’s parade, and search for my four photo and video stories from last year’s.
