Big rigs getting ready for Victoria’s popular lighted truck parade

It takes a lot of lights and a lot of time to get their trucks decorated.

But it’s a labour of love for the family that runs All-Ways/Kustom Towing.

“It’s a lot of work to get all the lights on it but at the end of day, when you’re driving down the road and all the kids are watching you go by and you’re honking the horn and they’re waving, it really touches you,” says All-Ways/Kustom Towing owner Gary Parker.

This is their 10th year taking part in the Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive.

It’s the largest lighted truck parade in Canada and Vancouver Island’s longest parade route — wowing crowds on a 35-kilometre trek from Ogden Point to Western Speedway.

“I love the looks on people’s faces, I love the smiles, I love the people that come out and cheer us on,” says All-Ways/Kustom Towing owner Cheryl Parker.

There will be a total of 77 elaborately decorated trucks taking part the convoy this year, from cement trucks to semi trailers.

“It’s a way for the companies and the members to give back to the community,” explains Wendy Wattof the Island Equipment Owners Association. “It’s just such an amazing event, so much effort goes into the lights, the sounds and everyone loves it!”

This is the 21st year for the convoy, which has collected more than 75,000 kilograms of food for local food banks over the years.

For the All-Ways/Kustom towing team, giving back to the community is incredibly important.

But they also have a very personal connection to the convoy.

“My dad before we lost him, his last ride was in the truck parade so I keep the truck going for him,” Cheryl Parker says, tearing up.

Honouring her father Fred Jaeger’s memory and helping to spread Christmas cheer.

Watch the Truck Light Convoy on CHEK News

We’ll be live-streaming the Truck Light Convoy on our CHEK News Facebook page and the CHEK YouTube page starting at 5:40 pm Saturday.

And, for the first time this year, we’ll also be broadcasting it during CHEK News at 5 p.m.

Truck Light Convoy Route and Estimated Timing: 

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