UNION — Monster truck fans in Union County will be treated to a special opportunity on Saturday.
Four top name monster trucks — including worldwide monster truck icon BIGFOOT — will make their way to Union this Saturday.
BIGFOOT and three other monster trucks will be on display from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 6 at Union County Fairgrounds. Team Aruba will absorb all costs, making the event totally free for everyone.
Team Aruba member Bobby Hicks said this is a way for Team Aruba and team owner Ven Eman to repay the people of Union for being so receptive to the team’s presence in Union County.
“Ven loves Union County,” Hicks said. “To him, Union County is a slice of heaven.”
Hicks said Ven Eman’s brother — Mike Eman, Prime Minister of Aruba — visited Union about a month ago and enjoyed his stay.
“He said God’s hand had to be touching Union,” Hicks said.
On Saturday, BIGFOOT will be accompanied by one of its drivers — either Dan Runte or Larry Swim. Runte first set the record for a monster truck jump in 1999 with jump of 202 feet over a 727 jetliner during Tennessee Aviation Day in 1999. The record was broken in 2020 when Joe Sylvester’s Bad Habit jumped 208 feet. However, on Sunday, Sept. 16, Runte reclaimed the record at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Fall 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in Indianapolis with a jump of 214 feet. Swim has won three championships with BIGFOOT.
Other trucks to appear in Union will be Chalkboard Chuck — which is painted with chalkboard material for kids to write on with chalk — Lucas Oil Stabilizer Chevrolet and Star Marshal Cadillac.
“To me, the big thing is it’s free for the people of Union and surrounding areas,” Hicks said. “If you go to the Bi-Lo Center for a monster truck show, you’ll pay big admission prices. You can see them up close right here in Union for free. We want people who might not be able to afford something like that normally to come out and bring their children and have a good time.”
Fans are encouraged to bring cameras and items for drivers to autograph. Photo opportunities will be available at no charge.
Just in case one of the drivers feels like crushing something on Saturday, there will be two cars there at the fairgrounds.
“If everything falls into place, there will be a possible car crush,” Hicks said.
Team Aruba sponsors Autism Speaks, and those who would like to make a donation to Autism Speaks will have the opportunity to do so on Saturday. Concessions at the event will be available from InFocus Today Ministries, which will donate a portion of the proceeds to Autism Speaks.
After Saturday’s event at Union County Fairgrounds, the next stop for the four monster trucks will be a monster truck show in Aruba.
Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@heartlandpublications.com.
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