52nd Annual National Truck-In (Van Nats) - Part 9

We've made it to the last day of the 52nd Annual Van Nationals, Saturday July 12th.  The big things happening on Saturday were a lake cruise followed by a public van show in downtown Albert Lea as well as awards and the last band on the main stage, Uncle Chunk.  I worked gate most of the day and had to pack up my V-A-N-S signs and R/C ramps so I couldn't go on the cruise.  I ended up missing awards too and only caught a few songs by Uncle Chunk (no photos though - just had a couple of beers and enjoyed the moment).  What I did take a ton of photos of was the line up and departure for the lake cruise that morning.  If you went on that cruise, there's a very good chance I got a photo of your van and maybe even you driving it.

As the vans started to head out for the cruise, I tried to get a photo or two of all of them.  I'm sure I missed a couple but I got most.  What you should pay attention to is not just the vintage/custom/show vans, but the wide variety of everyday vans that vanners actually drive.  You don't need anything custom or show-quality to come hang out at a truck-in. You just need a van (seriously, ANY van - work van, minivan, rental van, your friend's van, etc.), respect for others, and an openness to have fun.  That's it.  If your van is cool, it certainly doesn't hurt, but it's not a requirement.  Hopefully it's cool to you, regardless.

That's not it...  One last blogpost will finish out the long line of vans departing for the lake cruise tomorrow.