LIG shows unwavering support at Luana Truck Fest

Recently, the Luana Truck Fest took place at the Luana Sports Complex in St Elizabeth, celebrating the vibrant trucking community in Jamaica. The event was eagerly anticipated by approximately 3,000 patrons, and with each staging, the number of attendees grows.

The Luana Truck Fest has become a cornerstone of Jamaica’s trucking community, blending passion, heritage, and industry support for truckers islandwide. The event organiser, Akeeno Ebanks, shared that his passion for trucking originated with his grandfather, highlighting the generational connection that inspired the idea of creating a truck show while passing the venue.

Notable companies like Shacman, SET, and Every Trucking Ting have been involved since the start, contributing to its growth over the years. This year, the event aimed to surpass previous years with the support of their title sponsors: Louis Industrial (LIG) and West Palm Events.

LIG was eager to come on board as a title sponsor as the event’s objectives closely aligned with their 2024 mission to cultivate deeper connections with their customers and, most importantly, with the trucking community and its stakeholders. LIG, which has been supporting the trucking community for over 58 years, is highly respected and the ultimate source known as the “Truck and Trailer Parts Source”. It offers an extensive inventory of over 30,000 different stock items, making it the largest supplier of heavy-duty spare parts in the region for trucks and trailers. In addition, it prides itself on delivering competitive pricing and exceptional service, ensuring that customers experience minimal downtime for their equipment. The company serves as a crucial link between parts manufacturers and end users, leveraging its vast experience to provide effective solutions. Their commitment to excellence has significantly contributed to the sustainability of the Jamaican economy.

The Luana Truck Fest was a high-energy celebration that captivated families, truck enthusiasts, and industry professionals alike with the sounds of blaring truck horns and roaring engines. As the rain cleared, flashing lights signalled the festival’s revival, creating an exhilarating atmosphere of unity and pride. Attendees were thrilled by exciting and intense competitions, including skillful challenges like shifting and reversing, which showcased the remarkable talent of truckers. Well-organised and accessible, the event ensured a smooth experience for all, featuring ample parking, clean restrooms, diverse food options, and robust security measures. To top off the festivities, show organisers included a performance by Kaka High Flames and crew that energised the crowd and further enhanced the vibrant ambiance of the festival.

LIG’s setup was truly fitting of the title sponsor as it offered a wide range of entertaining activities that kept the energy at its peak throughout the day. Attendees enjoyed playing Corn Hole, testing their luck with Spin the Wheel, showcasing their skills in a DJ competition, participating in a lively dance-off, and challenging their knowledge in Dayton Parts Trivia. LIG also partnered with Omolora Wilson, the newly crowned Jamaica Festival Queen for 2024, who expressed her excitement about partnering with the company. As a St Elizabeth native, she was elated to be part of the show, sharing her enjoyment with the vibrant crowd at Luana.

The Luana Truck Fest would not be the same without several competitions for the truckers to participate in and make their presence known. Christopher Rickman took home the coveted first-place title, showcasing his exceptional skills and impressive truck. Close behind was Oniel Lindo, who secured second place, also earning recognition for Best Peterbilt, while Damion Shedrock claimed third place, highlighting his prowess with accolades for the Most Custom-Designed Truck and multiple titles across various aspects of his vehicle. The competition featured a range of standout participants, including Charles McLeish, who won Best Freightliner, and Dwayne Stewart, recognised for Best Western Star. Bevil Lewis proudly showcased the Oldest Truck in the event, adding to the festival’s rich tapestry of trucking excellence. Both Damion and Christopher stood out with their numerous titles, underscoring their remarkable contributions to the show and their dedication to the trucking community.

In a heartfelt message, the event organiser expressed gratitude to LIG for its generous sponsorship and unwavering support of the Luana Truck Fest. “I want to express my gratitude to LIG and all the partners of this year’s Truck Fest. We couldn’t have made it without you. I truly appreciate it, and LIG made a significant difference this year,” he stated. This sentiment underscores LIG’s strong presence and commitment to the trucking community, further solidifying its reputation in the industry.

Overall, patrons were impressed with the show, praising the lively atmosphere and the diverse activities that kept the energy high throughout the day. Many attendees expressed appreciation for LIG’s strong presence and engaging entertainment options. The integration of interactive experiences, such as games and competitions, fostered a sense of community among participants, making the event feel inclusive and enjoyable for all ages. Additionally, the positive feedback highlighted the importance of such gatherings in strengthening relationships within the trucking industry and celebrating its cultural significance in Jamaica.