The Stovebolt Site Forums The Side Lot Southern Bolters "UPDATE" Smokey Mountain Nationals

To All,

I spent quite a while on the phone with Dave Hoque, the event organizer for the Smokey Mountain Nationals. Dave is definitely a Stovebolt kind of guy, he get the whole "Find it, Fix it, Drive it" mentality (Dave has a '50 3100). We discussed the show event and the addition of trucks that were not AD's, all of our trucks are welcome (this is you Archie, Alvin and Wayne). You do not need to register your AD truck but are encouraged to, 100% of proceeds generated are donated to local charities. This is a Family based event and everyone is welcome.

The first show was in 2022 and attended by father and son Patina 54 (Jim) and 1954 MI (Tom). I talked at length with Jim and Tom about this show while at the event in Kansas City last fall. Jim said this was our kind of event and had a lot to offer, that we should really look into it. Last years show had 50 registered Trucks, this year should double that. This year the show is partnering with a local Tractor Club to add to the event.

Only the AD trucks that are registered will be judged, judging is "People's Choice" driven. There will be a swap meet, people are encouraged to bring items to sell, an area will be designated to set items with contact information so the seller can enjoy the show. There will be vendors and a food truck, participants are welcome to bring, canopies, chairs and even grills (Hotdogs for Alvin!!). Friday afternoon there will be a local cruise, this will be setup for us folks that like things a little slower! Saturday there will be a longer cruise down Foothills Pkwy toward the "Dragons Tail". Later that evening participants are welcome to join in a evening social and are encouraged to cookout and enjoy each others company. There will be an awards ceremony Saturday afternoon. I have spoken to Dave about the "Stovebolt" group sponsoring an award and will work out the details for that.

Please take a few minutes and check out the FB link for this event. Local lodging is going fast so please make your plans soon. Linda and I hope to see all of our friends there and welcome many new ones as well.

https://www.facebook.com/smokymtnats/

https://exploretownsend.com/

Craig, I'm interested in attending. I can't commit yet. Nelda is having foot surgery next week. This will be at the end of her 6 week recovery. I don't have her schedule for follow-up visits yet.
If we can make it, I won't be bringing my truck. We want to drive the Great River Road after the show and I'm not dragging a trailer all that way.

The first Smokey Mountain Nationals 2022 was an event Tom and I signed onto early. We did not know what to expect. We knew no one and did not take Tom's '54 3100. We thought it might be a local event and looked forward to being in the mountains and taking that evening cruise. It was a good sized first event with potential for so much more in the large open field. We booked at the Talley Ho Inn and could walk out the patio door to the adjacent field. After breakfast we drove back to the parking area, guided by a sign that read "AD Truck Entrance". I met a local lady selling donuts and coffee who is from Michigan, 20 miles from my house. She said her brother had just obtained an AD COE. I also met 2 groups who had come from just west of us, again in Michigan. This seemed like a perfect place for a Stovebolt gathering. I was happy to hear the Southern Bolters had decided to have a gathering there. I know you will be pleased if you are able to attend.

Thank you Craig for organizing this Stovebolt gathering.

Jim