McGuire Wholesale, Inc. “revving up” for its first-ever open house and truck show.

UPPER SANDUSKY – A local automotive and truck supply company is “revving up” for its first-ever open house and truck show.

McGuire Wholesale, Inc., 215 Commerce Way, is hosting an open house of its showroom facility Saturday, July 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The business is also holding a classic truck show that day with a trophy and awards presentation at 3 p.m.

It’s all for a good cause.

The $15 registration fee for every truck entered is being given to the Blue Star Mothers of America (BSM) of Hardin County. This non-profit organization sends care packages to U.S. troops stationed overseas. McGuire is also donating 10-percent of all sales that day to BSM.

“We’re all truck guys here anyway, so we thought back in February, let’s have an open house and truck show, and we decided to put a charity behind it also,” said Duane Wilson, McGuire Wholesale’s retail sales manager. “We are hoping to make this a big deal.”

As part of the charity event, those attending are being asked to “Stuff the Truck” with items needed by the BSM for their ongoing project. Wilson said that only “approved” food and personal care items are being accepted. McGuire is also taking cash donations at the store.

“These items are sent to our troops that are stationed overseas to give them some love from home and are 100-percent donated,” Wilson said. “Any funds received are to pay for shipping charges to send the care packages.”

Sgt. Oink’s BBQ Co., a pit barbecue restaurant in Tiffin, is catering the event. Still, Wilson said McGuire Wholesale is picking up the tab for the first 200 meals, beginning with registered truck owners and their families.

STS Transit Inc. in Upper Sandusky is setting up an exhibit of show semis for the event, Wilson said.
In addition, Danner’s Towing & Recycling in Sycamore has agreed to lend one of its huge telescopic handlers, which will be on display for the open house and truck show.

Wilson said there is no age range on trucks that can be entered, although only 50 registrations spots are available. Trophies will be awarded in four categories: Kids’ Choice, BSM Choice, Owner’s Choice, and Best of Show. A check presentation will follow.

Registrations, which are being taken until noon on July 31, are available online, in person, or by calling the store, 1-800-860-3744. A detailed list of care package items needed by the Blue Star Mothers is also posted on McGuire Wholesale’s Facebook page.

“We’re aiming for the stars and hoping for the best we can,” Wilson said. “We’re hoping that next year we can pick a different charity and do something good for someone else.”