The Year the Trucks Stayed Home at Brooks

[MikePhua]

A Tradition Interrupted by Uncertainty
The Powerland Truck Show in Brooks, Oregon has long been a magnet for vintage truck enthusiasts, restoration experts, and heavy equipment aficionados. Held annually in conjunction with the Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club (ACMOC) National Show and the Great Oregon Steam-Up, the event draws crowds from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. But in 2020, the show was officially cancelled following a board meeting, marking a rare pause in a tradition that celebrates the legacy of American trucking and industrial machinery.
The cancellation wasn’t unexpected. With statewide shutdowns in Oregon extended through September, organizers had little choice but to call off the gathering. For many attendees, the decision was a disappointment but not a surprise. The pandemic had already disrupted countless events, and the Brooks show was simply another casualty in a year defined by postponements and uncertainty.
Terminology and Event Notes
- Powerland Heritage Park: A museum complex in Brooks, Oregon that hosts multiple transportation and machinery events, including the truck show and steam-up.
- ACMOC (Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club): A global organization dedicated to preserving Caterpillar equipment history through shows, publications, and restorations.
- Steam-Up: A multi-weekend event featuring live demonstrations of steam-powered machinery, tractors, and industrial engines.
- Truck Shop: A colloquial reference to a participant or exhibitor known for showcasing restored Mack trucks and other vintage rigs.
- Grassy Area Restriction: A logistical decision made by organizers to preserve lawn conditions for upcoming events, often affecting layout and scheduling.
The Impact on Attendees and Exhibitors
For many regulars, the cancellation disrupted more than just a weekend plan—it upended a rhythm of travel, camaraderie, and mechanical storytelling. Some had planned to stay in the area between the ACMOC show and the truck event, using the downtime to visit shops, swap parts, and catch up with fellow restorers. The absence of the show left a void not easily filled by virtual alternatives.
One exhibitor had hoped to showcase a freshly restored Mack truck, a project that had taken over a year to complete. With the event cancelled, the truck remained in the shop, its debut postponed indefinitely. Others lamented the missed opportunity to see rare models, including early cabovers and custom-built haulers that rarely leave private collections.
Scheduling Confusion and Grassroots Coordination
Interestingly, some confusion arose around the scheduling of the truck show relative to the ACMOC and steam-up weekends. Organizers had previously restricted ACMOC’s use of a large grassy area, citing the need to preserve it for the truck show. This led some to believe the truck event was scheduled immediately after ACMOC, when in fact it was set for three weeks later.
This kind of logistical overlap is common in multi-event venues like Powerland, where different clubs and organizations share space and resources. It underscores the importance of clear communication between committees, especially when planning around shared infrastructure and seasonal wear.
Looking Ahead to Future Gatherings
Despite the setback, many participants expressed hope for the following year. The truck show has weathered challenges before, including economic downturns and venue changes. Its resilience lies in the passion of its community—restorers, drivers, historians, and families who see these machines not just as tools, but as cultural artifacts.
Suggestions for future planning include:

• Establishing a digital archive of past shows to maintain engagement during off years
  
• Creating a rolling registration system to allow flexibility in uncertain times
  
• Coordinating with local health authorities for contingency planning
  
• Offering limited-capacity previews or drive-by exhibitions for select vehicles
  

Some clubs have already begun experimenting with virtual show-and-tell sessions, where members present their restorations via video and discuss mechanical challenges in real time.
The Legacy of the Brooks Truck Show
The Brooks Truck Show is more than a display of chrome and horsepower—it’s a living museum of American transportation history. From logging trucks to long-haul rigs, the event showcases the evolution of engineering, design, and industry. Its cancellation in 2020 was a pause, not a conclusion.
As the world slowly reopens, the anticipation for the next gathering grows. When the trucks finally roll back into Brooks, they’ll carry more than just steel and rubber—they’ll bring stories of resilience, restoration, and the enduring spirit of the road. And for those who’ve waited patiently, the sound of a diesel engine firing up will be more than noise—it’ll be a welcome return to tradition.