AYLESFORD - Guy Meister has no trouble drawing a crowd these days.
The Aylesford resident’s Sheriff monster truck almost instantly becomes a fan-favourite attraction at any event Meister attends.
“Adults are just as enthused about it as the kids,” he said.
“Everybody smiles. It’s different and there’s no more around.”
Meister brought the truck home from Ontario last August. He’d wanted to own a monster truck for 15 years or so, and decided to take a chance on a former Monster Jam rig that had been modified to carry passengers.
“When they get outdated they put seats on the back of them and sell them as ride trucks, and everywhere you go everybody wants to get on it,” he said.
The trucks cost a pretty penny to purchase and run, with a single tire generally selling for between $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the make. Meister’s background in mechanics helps offset maintenance and repair costs.
The Sheriff monster truck was originally built in New Jersey, however Meister feels it is right at home in Aylesford.
“Everybody’s liked it. Nobody’s said anything bad about it yet,” he said.
“Around Aylesford there’s a lot of motorsports people and there’s a lot of success with it.”
He’s made a business out of renting the truck out for community events and private parties. The rates vary depending on distance and timing, but a general price estimate for a two-hour rental between New Minas to Middleton is typically $350.
“I wouldn’t have been able to get it if it wasn’t for the sponsors,” he said, stressing that support from local sponsors played a crucial role in turning his dream into a reality.
“It’ll be all over the place this summer,” he said.
The truck is in demand for birthday parties throughout the province, and the suspension system makes a tour on the back feel like a thrill ride.
“There’s so many different things you can do with it,” said Meister.
He hopes to eventually get a truck that is specifically designed for driving over cars – one of the more popular requests he receives while behind the wheel in The Sheriff.
“There’s never been these at birthdays around here, that’s the biggest thing,” he said, adding that he loves to give monster truck fans a chance to go for a spin.
“I don’t care how long it takes as long as everybody can enjoy it.”
To learn more about booking The Sheriff for an event, call 902-760-0090 or 902-760-0070. View the website at http://monstertruckrides.ca/
