It is Antique Tractor Ride Time again

Each spring, as soon as the weather permits, and sometimes sooner, the antique tractor rides begin to take place. There are two major components to any successful ride, the organizers, and the antique tractors.

As for the tractors, these antique workhorses are for show the majority of time. But let their owner get news of a tractor ride and it is a safe bet they are going to get a work out. Participants and onlookers alike enjoy the parade of antique tractors arrive in small towns with names, like Coon Valley, Irma, Finger Lake, Rippey, or Homer. Some of the towns along many of the routes may have a population of less than 500, some even too small to have a post office, but swell by thousands when they know the antique tractors will be arriving. Larger towns and cities are not exempt from being a part of a tractor ride, and onlookers there tend to be more at awe than in the rural areas, since the tractor is a seldom seen vehicle driving on their streets.

Traffic control is always an issue in an event like this to insure the safety of all concerned. Safety can become a huge issue when you bring a group of 500 antique tractors through a town such as Des Moines, Iowa. Which is exactly what happens each year during the well-known WHO Radio tractor ride that takes place in that city and surrounding area, as the tractors converge on the Iowa State Fairgrounds each June. The Iowa Highway Patrol and local law enforcement are on hand to assist event staff by directing traffic. With safety in mind some rides require the participants to each have a tow-strap on board in case of a breakdown.

Antique tractor clubs, businesses such as radio stations and farm supply dealers are most often sponsors of the rides. Months of preparation take place behind the scenes for the organizers and event staff for the rides. Many rides have well designed websites to inform prospective participants and the public of the itinerary. The daily schedule is planned and timed down to the last detail to allow all participants to partake in the festivities. Some of these hard working planners are able to take an active part in the ride itself, while others must go on ahead to the next stop to make sure everything is ready for the group’s arrival. While most rides will be completed in a day or weekend some larger rides take place over several days.

Meal stops and comfort breaks are preset into the route. Many FFA and church groups as well as non-host antique tractor clubs will offer up meals and activities along the route. In addition to meals many rides include special activities such as dances and town celebrations held in conjunction with the ride. Overnight stays must be carefully planned to accommodate parking the unusual number of antique tractors, as well as lodging for drivers and support teams. Lodging may include anything from a tent pitched in a hosts front yard to campers and motels or guest rooms provided by local residents.

One thing is certain when each of these events is completed, you have experienced rural America at it’s best, sights, sounds, food, and people.