OSMOND — The Chrome N Smoke Truck Show crew hosted a fantastic weekend of fun for Osmond area residents. A total of 131 trucks came from six different states. In addition to the truck show part of the celebration, there were numerous food vendors and music by Kimberly Meyer on Friday, and both Dave Merkel and the Happy Endings Band on Saturday. There were also some activities for the kids, with two bounce houses and face painting.
The group noted that they had several generous sponsors both local and across the United States, the furthest being from California.
Legacy Award Goes to Donald Huwaldt
The 2025 Chrome N Smoke Truck Show Legacy Award recipient was Donald Huwaldt of Huwaldt Trucking.
In part, the presentation to Donald read: “Today, we’re proud to honor a man whose life has truly been defined by the open road - our first Chrome N Smoke Legacy Award recipient: Donald Huwaldt. For Donald, trucking is more than a job — it’s a legacy. As a third-generation trucker, the road runs deep in his roots. His great-grandfather started hauling commodities in the early 1900s with a horse and wagon. His family’s connection to trucking is so strong that even his mother was hauled to the hospital in a truck during a snowstorm to be born.
In 1985, he bought his first truck and founded Don Huwaldt Trucking. Over the years, he’s driven legends — from a 1974 4070A International Cabover, where he’d stay awake on long western hauls watching flames shoot from the stacks, to the beloved “Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel,” another classic International.
In 2010, he bought his Peterbilt — a big-nosed green Pete that had the whole neighborhood talking. These days, he’s in his second “semi-retirement,” driving a cream-colored 2021 Kenworth W900 with over 750,000 miles on it — and counting.
When asked how many miles he’s driven, Donald just smiles and says, “When you love what you do, it doesn’t really matter.” And while no one can count the exact number, it’s safe to say there aren’t many states he hasn’t seen through a windshield. Donald is one of a kind.
Other Awards, Tributes The 2025 Chrome N Smoke Truck Show People’s Choice Award went to D. J. Friedrichsen of Bloomfield with his 1988 MACK RW613 Superliner.
The crew also honored two drivers who have passed away with the Chrome N Smoke Memorials. They were presented to the families of Todd Grim of Harrisburg, SD, and Michael Schutt of Randolph.
“The Chrome N Smoke Truck Show Memorials are our way of paying tribute to the men and women who dedicated their lives to the trucking world. Their stories, miles, and memories continue to ride with us,” said Chrome N Smoke crew members.
Auction Funds Raised
As part of its mission to give back, Chrome N Smoke hosted a fundraising auction during the show, with auctioneer Jim Schmit taking the bids. Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors and bidders, they raised funds to sup(Continued on CHROME N SMOKE HAS FULL WEEKEND OF FUN port the community of Osmond and to donate to OK Kids Korral, the Toby Keith Foundation which provides a home-away-from-home for families with children battling cancer.
Auction items included were a quarter beef with processing, a loaded cooler, kids’ motorized Case IH tractor, a Kenworth lantern, impact and socket set, lawn chairs, handcrafted wooden flag and Blackstone grill, as well as a custom set of corn hole boards which paid tribute to Kroy Vandenberg.
Jarod Haschke of Columbus spoke about the cause of Pride in Your Ride Truck Show that takes place in Seward to raise money for Kroy Vandenberg memorial scholarships. The money raised from the auction of the corn hole boards will go toward that cause. “It was our way of supporting another local truck show,” the crew members said.
Pancake Feed, Parade Held Sunday
The Osmond Fire Department held its annual pancake feed on Sunday, June 29, at the city auditorium with a good-sized crowd in attendance. A parade which included many of the semis from the truck show as well as other floats and entries from the community was also held on Sunday.
There were 30 entries in the parade, including trucks, tractors, several businesses, baseball and softball teams, and of course, several fire trucks once again bringing up the rear. Jim Schmit, as he had been for many years with the Summerfest celebration, was once again the announcer for the parade.
The Chrome N Smoke crew commented on the weekend’s events, “We’re especially grateful for the continued support from the Osmond community, whose hospitality helps make this event better every year. We’re proud of what this event has grown into and look forward to keeping the wheels turning in 2026. Thank you all for being a part of it!
D. J. Friedrichsen received the People’s Choice Award
