The ‘Dancing Trucker’ wants the city to have fun, so here’s what he plans to do

John Drury, also known as Hamilton’s Dancing Trucker, has organized a human unity train that will gather at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the corner of Front and High streets in order to show togetherness in the city.

MORE: Hamilton shows Christmas spirit through Dancing Trucker’s toy drive

At 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, Drury has gained local notoriety for performing his dance moves in front of the Historic Butler County Courthouse.

MORE: ‘Dancing Trucker’ brings smiles to downtown Hamilton

“I just want to put a few smiles on faces,” he explained. “Seeing people be happy is what this is all about.”

In the spirit of the Christmas season this year, he collected toys that were donated to children in need through St. Vincent de Paul’s Angels for Toys program.

As the new year quickly approaches, Drury thought it would be good to bring people together in order to create some positive momentum for the community heading into 2018.

MORE: ‘Helping to heal us’: How the Hamilton community responded for a beloved fallen firefighter

“Not everybody dances, so I thought it would be great if we just gathered together to form a human chain and show that we really care about each other, whatever differences we have,” he explained. “It is about all of us trying to make a difference in our community and working to show respect for each other.”

MORE: Hamilton’s fire chief set to retire after 5 years

The event nearly was cancelled as Drury felt a slight wave of political unease from a social media post he put up.

“I posted a picture I took with Donald Trump when he was campaigning around here and I asked, ‘Wonder if he is a fan of the Dancing Trucker?’” Drury said. “A lot of people didn’t like the post and said that ‘Trump isn’t about unity.’”

He was also concerned about a permit from the city, but both concerns ended up resolved Thursday afternoon.

“I understand that something political can get people upset, and that was not my intention,” Drury said. “I just want to keep doing something positive for people and the city.”

MORE: Hamilton Council Member Rob Wile leaves office, to remain involved

City Manager Joshua Smith said Drury’s permit was stamped with approval and hoped the Dancing Trucker keeps his positive act going.

“Every city needs a Dancing Trucker,” Smith said.

About the Author