In 2008 the F-100 Supernationals, affectionately known as the Godzilla of Ford truck shows, turned 30 years old. It was 1978 when the F-100 Supernationals was started by a 30-year-old fellow by the name of Pat Ford along with his family. Their company, known as Pat Ford Promotions, became world renown for hosting what turned into an international event within a very short period of time. It wasn't unusual to see a '56 F-100 with plates from Sweden or some other exotic land. Don't ask us which Interstate goes to Stockholm, because we don't know, but somehow those Swedish fellers would show up.
With the show originally held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the venue then moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, at Chilhowee Park, but the show was still smack dab in the middle of Ford country. With the advent of the 30th, Pat turned 60 years old and felt it was time to turn the reins over to someone else. Enter the new guys from ET Promotions, and the show still goes on. One of the few changes that will take place next year for the 31st is that the F-100 Supernationals will be held in conjunction with an all-Ford show. For those of you concerned that this might mean there will be a bunch of pink Mustangs and smelly old Falcons parked in between our trucks next year, don't worry. As anyone knows that's ever been to Chilhowee Park, the place is so big that only the main valley fills up with trucks. Nothing will change for the F-100 portion; we will still have a truck-only vendor and show area. Not even the awards ceremonies will be shared with the car guys. In the past, about the only complaints that were heard about the move to Knoxville was there was nothing to do after one left Chilhowee Park. With this in mind for the 31st F-100 Supernationals, the folks at ET Promotions have been taking some steps to change this, starting with a kick-off parade and a luau. We're sure that as May 14-16, 2009 closes in, ET Promotions will have more information available on www.f100supernationals.com. They can be reached at 865/671-3000.