OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The rumble of engines, the glow of lights and the spirit of giving filled the air at Raney’s Truck Shop as the 2nd Annual Road to Wishes Truck Show returned to Ocala Feb. 6-7, bringing together truckers, families and the local community to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The two-day event, held at Raney’s Truck Shop, aimed to raise $90,000 to help grant wishes for nine children. As of Saturday afternoon, organizers announced more than $43,000 had been raised.

Friday evening kicked off the show with a crowd-favorite Light Show, giving spectators a chance to see each truck’s custom lighting in action. Live music by James Harris and Michelle Ingrham began at 5 p.m., followed by the light show at 6:30 p.m., officially launching the weekend’s festivities.

Saturday marked the full show day, featuring more than 75 semi trucks from across the region. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees explored rows of polished rigs along with industry vendors, food trucks and family-friendly activities. The day concluded with a burnout performance from 2 to 3 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m.

Children’s activities played a major role throughout the day, with tickets available for individual activities or wristbands for unlimited fun. Offerings included train rides by Tim’s Train Rides, bounce houses and inflatables, face painting by Creative Chippy Party Services, balloon animals from Red Dog Balloons and themed inflatables such as the PBR Professional Bull Riders. All proceeds from activity and merchandise sales were donated directly to Make-A-Wish.

Local agencies also joined the event, with Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Fire Rescue and Marion Technical College bringing emergency vehicles and displays for hands-on exploration by kids and adults alike.

A wide variety of vendors lined to property, including Blessed Beyond BBQ, Brick City Hot Dogs, Billy’s Cheesesteaks, The Best Brazillian Barbeskewers, GiveeR Drinks, Flava Shack and Kona Ice, along with the official Road to Wishes merchandise booth hosted by Make-A-Wish. Industry vendors ranged from Blue Tiger USA, National Truck Parts, Iowa Customs, Trux Accessories and Buyers Products Company to Florida Credit Union, Hammerlane USA, BullSnot! and The Real Hamma Down.

One of the vendors at the show was Adopt-A-Duck, represented by Patrice Bergeron, who is publicly sharing her journey with metastatic breast cancer and using the project to raise awareness and support for herself and others affected by the disease. Her presence underscored the event’s shared message of hope, resilience and community support–values closely aligned with the mission of Make-A-Wish.

Awards were announced Saturday afternoon, recognizing standout trucks across multiple categories. DANGER, owned by Alex and Daniel Garcia of A&A Stainless won Kid’s Choice with Limited Edition, owned by Ryan Wichtner of 525 Transport, winning runner-up. Super Shine was won by Horse Play, owned by Chabe Durham with Lights Out, decided during the light show, being won by Redneck Rolex, owned by PJ Brink of PJ Brink Trucking. Best theme went to The Goose, owned by Daniel and Phyllis Snow. Old School Cool was won the 1943 Mack FJ owned by Lou and Jojo De Beradinis and Working Class was won by Ruby, owned by Randy St. John of Brass Express.

Notably, both Kid’s Choice award recipients were repeat winners from last year, a testament to their lasting popularity. Medallions were also passed out to honor and thank event volunteers and staff.

As engines cooled and trophies were handed out, one thing was clear: Road to Wishes is about more than chrome and horsepower. It’s about using passion, community and a little extra shine to help make wishes come true–one truck at a time.