Kenworth made history once again in Chillicothe, Ohio, by hosting its fourth annual truck parade, paying tribute to a brand that’s been a cornerstone of American trucking for over a century. This year’s celebration took on extra meaning as the legendary Kenworth W900 was honored in its final full year of production.
More than 50 trucks—ranging from custom builds to vintage showpieces—rolled through downtown Chillicothe for the June event. Among them: a 1923 Kenworth, the same year the company was founded, a standout 1966 Kenworth W923, and a crowd-favorite 2000 Kenworth K100E cabover.
“The Kenworth truck parade has become a special Ross County community tradition,” said Jack Schmitt, assistant plant manager at Kenworth’s Chillicothe facility. “The event wouldn’t be possible without the drivers who travel to Chillicothe to share their passion for Kenworth trucks, or without the community support that makes this parade a successful event each year.”
Capping off the event was the first public appearance of the Kenworth W900 Legacy Edition, leading the final leg of the parade and turning heads as a symbol of the model’s storied history. This special edition truck is a commemorative nod to the W900’s last production run.
Before the parade, Kenworth hosted exclusive activities at the Chillicothe plant for participating drivers and their families. Guests toured the state-of-the-art facility, which has seen nearly $400 million in upgrades since 2018, including robotic assembly lines and a cutting-edge paint system.
The Chillicothe plant, which opened in 1974, is set on a sprawling 120-acre site just 50 miles south of Columbus and spans 622,000 square feet. It remains a major hub for Kenworth’s production of modern trucks.
As part of the day’s community outreach, Kenworth teamed up with the United Way of Ross County to hold a 50/50 raffle and VIP-area fundraiser. Local volunteers sold tickets along the parade route, helping raise more than $43,000 for the nonprofit’s community programs.
Also in attendance was Army veteran Cory Troxell, who gained recognition in 2024 as the “Transition Trucking: Driving for Excellence” award recipient. He now drives a Kenworth T680 and joined the festivities as a special guest.
For those who appreciate classic iron and trucking culture, Chillicothe continues to be the place where Kenworth’s heritage comes to life—and where its legacy rolls on.
Looking for More Trucking Action in Ohio?
Mark your calendar for the Kuhnle Brothers Semi Stampede, coming to Kuhnle Motorsports Park in Thompson, Ohio, June 27–29. The event promises a weekend full of Quebec-style uphill, side-by-side semi-truck drag races.
Practice kicks off Friday, with races continuing all weekend. Presale tickets are available through June 26 at 5 p.m., with discounts on weekend and single-day passes for adults and kids. Children under five get in free, and camping passes are also available.
Among the competitors: Kevin Bruns of Gallatin, Tennessee, who plans to race his 2019 International LoneStar.
A second drag racing weekend is already in the works for September, so stay tuned for more details.
Source: Overdrive
Image Source: Kenworth
