Big Iron Classic Truck Show and Pull

The Big Iron Classic Truck Show and Pull, located at the Dodge County Fairgrounds, 62922 MN-57, Kasson, MN 55944, USA, is a prominent annual event categorized as an "Auto Repair Station" within the broader sense of a gathering that celebrates, showcases, and implicitly supports the heavy-duty automotive industry. It can be reached by phone at (507) 254-4007 or via mobile at +1 507-254-4007. This event is far from a traditional repair shop; instead, it's a large-scale gathering that honors the trucking industry, showcasing a vast array of working semi-trucks, custom builds, and classic models, alongside competitive truck pulls. It serves as a significant hub for truckers, enthusiasts, and the general public, fostering community and celebrating the power and pride of the trucking life.

As an "Auto Repair Station" in this unique context, the Big Iron Classic doesn't offer direct repair services or goods for sale in the traditional sense of a mechanic's garage. Instead, it provides a platform where the very essence of heavy-duty automotive engineering and design is on display. It's an environment where the "goods" are the impressive trucks themselves, and the "services" are the showcasing of their capabilities through the truck show and the competitive truck pull. The event facilitates networking among truckers, provides entertainment for families, and often includes vendors selling truck-related parts, accessories, and services, thus indirectly supporting the auto repair and maintenance ecosystem of the trucking industry. It's a celebration of the 'working class' truck, emphasizing the durability, performance, and aesthetic appeal of these powerful machines.

The **environment** of the Big Iron Classic Truck Show and Pull is vibrant, energetic, and typically very busy, especially during peak times. It's held at the Dodge County Fairgrounds, which provides ample space for over 600 trucks on display. The atmosphere is generally festive, characterized by the roar of diesel engines, the shine of chrome, and the buzz of crowds admiring the rigs. Reviewers note "Great food and lots of cool rides," indicating a lively and enjoyable setting. However, it can also be very crowded, with mentions of "very large amount of golf carts in a very compact place," which might suggest navigation challenges for some attendees. The event staff is noted for doing a "great job preparing the track after a huge rain," highlighting their dedication to ensuring the event runs smoothly despite challenges. The overall environment is designed to be a grand celebration of trucking, appealing to both industry professionals and the general public. Expect to find a mix of concession stands, vendor booths, and designated viewing areas for the truck pull, with live entertainment adding to the convivial ambiance in the evenings.

The core **services** and offerings of the Big Iron Classic Truck Show and Pull revolve around its two main components:

• **The Classic Truck Show:** This is a major attraction, featuring over 600 semi-truck tractors and trailers on display. Truckers from all over the country bring their working and show rigs, including bobtails, custom combos, classic models, and late models. This allows attendees to walk among the trucks, admire custom builds, and connect with truck owners and fellow enthusiasts. The show is open to the public during designated hours on Friday and Saturday.
• **The Truck Pull:** This is often cited as the "highlight of the weekend." It's a competitive event where big diesel trucks compete to pull a weighted sled as far as possible down a track. The sled's weight increases as it moves, making it progressively harder to pull. The event features several classes, including Antique, Run for Fun, Road, Hot Street, Pro Stock, and Open, culminating in a "King of the Hill" pull-off among the champions (excluding Antiques). This thrilling spectacle showcases the raw power and engineering prowess of these vehicles.

Beyond these primary attractions, the event also provides:

• **Vendor Booths:** Open from 8 AM to 5 PM, these booths offer various truck-related products, services, and merchandise.
• **Live Entertainment & Beer Garden:** Both Friday and Saturday nights feature live music from 9 PM to 1 AM, providing a relaxed atmosphere for socializing and enjoying a cold beverage.
• **Food Vendors:** A variety of food options are available onsite to cater to attendees' culinary needs.
• **Parade of Big Rigs:** On Saturday, there's a "Parade Of Big Rigs" through the nearby towns of Mantorville and Byron, offering another opportunity for the public to see the trucks in motion.
• **Light Show:** Beginning at dusk, big rigs illuminate the night sky in a stunning multicolored light show.
• **Charity Contribution:** The event is also known as a major toy donor, with attendees encouraged to contribute a toy or two in collection boxes, emphasizing its community involvement.

Several key **features** distinguish the Big Iron Classic Truck Show and Pull, contributing to its popularity and reputation:

• **"Working Class" Truck Focus:** It's celebrated as the Midwest's premier "Working Class" truck show, emphasizing trucks that are not just for display but also actively work on the road. This gives it an authentic feel within the trucking community.
• **Massive Scale:** With over 600 trucks on display and thousands of attendees, it's one of the largest gatherings of its kind, offering a comprehensive experience for truck enthusiasts.
• **Dual Attraction:** The combination of a static truck show and a dynamic truck pull provides diverse entertainment, appealing to different interests within the trucking world.
• **Community and Charity Focus:** The event's role as a major toy donor highlights its commitment to giving back to the community, fostering a positive image and encouraging participation for a good cause.
• **Entertainment Variety:** Beyond the trucks, the inclusion of live music, food vendors, and a parade ensures there's something for everyone, making it a family-friendly event.
• **Organizational Preparedness:** The crew's ability to quickly prepare the track after heavy rain demonstrates a high level of professionalism and dedication to the event's success.

However, some features noted by reviewers that could be seen as negatives include the "annoying announcer for the truck pull, who never stops talking and makes it impossible to take good videos," and long waiting times for tickets and before the truck pull begins (over 1.5 hours in line for tickets, plus 1.5-2 hours in stands). These are important considerations for potential attendees.

The **promotional information** for the Big Iron Classic Truck Show and Pull is primarily centered around its annual recurrence and its established reputation as a premier event.

• **Annual Event Dates:** The show is held each fall, typically the first weekend after Labor Day (e.g., September 5th & 6th, 2025). This consistent scheduling allows enthusiasts to mark their calendars well in advance.
• **Website and Social Media:** The official website (bigironclassic.com) serves as the main hub for information, including event schedules, vendor and sponsor registration forms, and potentially photo galleries from previous years. Social media channels (like Facebook and TikTok) are also used to promote the event, showcase highlights, and engage with the trucking community.
• **"No Charge for Most Events" Promotion:** Admission to the truck show, vendor booths, and live entertainment is generally free to the public, which is a significant draw.
• **Ticketed Truck Pull:** The truck pull is the only event with an admission fee ($10 per person for ages 13 and older, with kids 12 and under admitted free with a paid adult). Tickets are sold at the gate on the day of the event, with no advanced public ticket sales for the pull.
• **Toy Donation Incentive:** The encouragement to donate a new toy for a boy or girl in collection boxes serves as a unique "entry fee" for participants displaying trucks and a way for spectators to show support, reinforcing the charitable aspect.
• **Sponsorship Opportunities:** The event actively seeks vendors and sponsors, offering promotional visibility to businesses within and related to the trucking industry.
• **Emphasis on "Power, Performance, and Pride":** The promotional messaging focuses on celebrating the trucking lifestyle and the hard work of truckers.

For the most up-to-date information on schedules, participation, and any new features or promotional offers, local users and interested participants are encouraged to visit the official Big Iron Classic website or contact them directly at (507) 254-4007. The event's consistent scale and positive word-of-mouth within the trucking community are its strongest promotional assets.