2019 Tractor Parade
The day began with everyone coming to Old Highway 6 Tractor and Equipment. The tractors were unloaded, and the riders came into the building to register. After they registered, everyone enjoyed some coffee and rolls, along with good fellowship.
At 8:50 AM, I switched on a microphone, and welcomed everyone to the 2nd annual tractor ride. I chatted about my interest in antique tractors, and how the tractor ride came to be. I then talked about each road on the route and explained where we would be going. The microphone was then handed off to Mel Hursey, who led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance. I then said, “Load them up!” The ride departed at 9:06 AM.
After riding along for several miles, we took our morning break at Ditmars Orchard. What a beautiful place full of wonderful smells and different items to feel, taste, and purchase. Courtesy of Ditmars, they served us warm apple cider doughnuts, with cinnamon and sugar on top! They melted in your mouth! After being there for about 20 minutes, we all got back on the tractors and departed shortly thereafter. Everyone on the ride that day loved the orchard, and they all suggested the ride return there in the future!
After riding through the beautiful countryside for another hour or so, we pulled into Neola for lunch. The Neola Lions Club welcomed us and hosted lunch at the community building. We had barbecued pork sandwiches, chips, coleslaw, and pie with ice cream on the menu, with lemonade and water to drink. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves while there.
While we were being served that day, I gave an update about what has been going on in the realm of research. Right now, they are starting to test on mice instead of frogs, which is a good sign! As always, they all signified with an enthusiastic applause that we should do the ride again next year! After the meal, we departed for an afternoon of fun!
As we departed from the community building, my good buddy, Mel Hursey, led the ride for a little while, while I followed behind on my new Oliver 770 diesel. We went down to Arrowhead Park and drove through there. What a beautiful sight. There were birds singing, and colorful butterflies all over! When we were ready to go back out onto the road, I pulled in front of Mel, and continued leading the ride to our next stop, a little town called McClelland.
When we got to McClelland, we all took our afternoon break there. People enjoyed a snack of cookies and water, and some went into the family owned bar, and the others stood outside and visited. The ride departed about 30 minutes later.
After departing McClelland, I decided to take the highway back to Old Highway 6 Tractor. The ride took about 15 minutes, and when we got back, everyone went up the hill by the loading dock. The ride finished about 4:00 PM. The riders then loaded their tractors up, and headed home for the day.
The statistics are as follows: 30 tractors were there that day. There were 7 Olivers, 5 Fords, 6 John Deere, 1 Ferguson, 1 Allis Chalmers, and 10 International.