2004 Greenville Showfest - Custom Truck Event

There are literally hundreds of shows that go on year-round from one coast to the other, and many of them possess at least one element that makes them worth going to. There is only one show, however, that possesses every element that you could possibly hope for from a show. For one weekend every year, Assorted Miniatures transforms the little po-dunk town of Greenville, Mississippi, from barely a speck on the map into a mecca for every type of truck builder during its annual Showfest.

Now in its ninth year, the two-day event attracts mini and fullsize 'railers from every part of the country for a weekend full of fresh new builds, familiar faces, and the chance to participate in what could very well be one of the largest drag sessions in the U.S. Organizer Keith Broadaway and Greenville Mayor Heather McTeer-Hudson have collaborated with the local police to turn all four lanes of Highway 82 into what could only be described as a textbook example of controlled chaos.

Nearly 1,000 trucks began rolling into the Washington County Convention Center early on Saturday morning. Detailing rags could be seen working in a fury to relieve the trucks from not only the road grime accumulated from the trek into Greenville, but also from the previous night's worth of rain. Following closely on their heels were more than 9,000 spectators walking from row to row, checking out trucks such as Hill's Hotrods K5 Blazer, which took home the Best of Show honors in the Fullsize class.

As the day began to wind down, the trucks filed out of the showgrounds and poured out onto the main strip, where people had already begun staking out spots on the side of Highway 82 for the night's upcoming festivities. The local authorities were out in full force to ensure that even though trucks were allowed to do burnouts and drag, they were doing so with at least a semblance of safety in mind. According to Major Silver of the Greenville Police Department, 22 tickets were handed out for reckless driving throughout the weekend. However, there were no major accidents related to the show.

The Greenville Tourist Center acknowledges that Showfest is the town's primary source of tourist revenue for the fall, stating that the event brings in several million dollars in revenue for the city. However, safety is still a major concern, which is primarily why all the cruising was shut down around midnight on Saturday.

Sunday proved to be just that: a day full of sun. The majority of clouds that had hung overhead for the duration of the weekend finally lifted and warmed the crowd up. Those who were able to stay around for the awards ceremony saw Carl Arft awarded the IF Customs' Matt Eye trophy for his immaculate Ford Ranger.

To join in on the show of all shows next year, contact Keith Broadaway at (601) 924-1706.