The directors and staff of the Fergus Truck Show presented cheques totalling $45,986.50 to 25 area groups who assisted at this year's event. The groups, which were made up of more than 1,100 volunteers, worked a combined total of 6,569.5 hours. The donation brings the total raised by the Fergus Truck Show for community groups and Fergus Recreation to more than $645,000.

'As the planning started for the past show, the economy was starting to show signs of weakness in the trucking industry it didn't take long for past sponsors to start withdrawing their financial support for the show,' said Wayne Billings, chief operating officer of the Fergus show. 'Before long we were down $100,000 in sponsorship. A new planning strategy was put into place as we knew that to make up this huge loss. We put together the best entertainment schedule in the Fergus Truck Show history to attract more spectators.'

That entertainment included performers April Wine, Kim Mitchell and David Wilcox, a demolition derby and the Trucking Trucking For Wishes Family Amusement Area, which complemented the show n' shine and trade show.

'The support of all Fergus Truck Show co-sponsors, the truck and tractor pull sponsors, the individual award sponsors, the equipment and service suppliers, spectators and participants allows the show to grow, to promote the trucking industry and Canadian music, and assists local groups in fund raising. We truly appreciate the support of all,' said show president, Don Watson.