2020 Tractor Parade
The day began with everyone meeting at Old Highway 6 Tractor and Equipment. All the tractors were unloaded, and everyone came into the shop to register. After filling out a registration form and paying $25, everyone enjoyed some coffee and rolls, sponsored by Old Highway 6 Tractor and Equipment, along with good fellowship.
About 8:45 AM, I switched on a microphone, and welcomed everyone to the third annual Ride into Sight Tractor Ride! I then talked to everyone about the history of the ride, and what gave me the idea to start a ride for eyesight research. After doing so, I proceeded to thank the tractor ride committee who helped me put the ride together by sharing their ideas and what they thought would make the ride better. The sponsors were then recognized, along with Bruce and Mary Bracker of Old Highway 6 Tractor for hosting us there. After recognizing all these people, I then chatted about the route. I not only explained the route and where we would be going, but I also chatted about how Mel Hursey, a member of the tractor ride committee, encouraged me to plan the entire route on my own. I must say, I really enjoyed planning it this year. What was so special about this route is that I felt like you didn’t have to have sight to enjoy the scenery as there were so many things to smell and hear that you just didn’t need it.
After visiting with everyone about the route, I then recognized the two most recent angel riders, (people who supported the ride either in donations, or who rode along and are no longer with us), Ward Koos and Lyle Clark. I shared a few memories about Ward, and then explained to everyone that we would be riding through the neighborhood where Lyle used to live as a small side trip that morning. A moment of silence was then observed in their memory.
After the moment of silence was observed, I then handed the microphone off to Mark Bulger, president of the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska, to give an invocation. The prayer that he gave was wonderful and perfect that day. When he returned the microphone to me, I asked any veterans who had served us in the United States Military to please raise their hands! Over 15 people who were on the ride that day have served us in the military. Everyone applauded loudly, and I thanked everyone for their service! The microphone was then handed off to Mel Hursey, who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Not only did Mel lead the Pledge, but beforehand, he gave a wonderful speech about how he was so proud that I was able to plan the route on my own this year, and how he felt so honored to be part of such an inspirational ride. I must admit that I think my eyes moistened while he was speaking and leading the Pledge. After he did this, I said, “Load them up and get out of here!” The ride departed about 9:10 AM.
When all the tractors were running, I was ready to lead the ride for the third year in a row on my Oliver 770 diesel. My buddy, Bennett, road along with me and served as my co-pilot. I began leading the route, first out of the lot at Old 6 Tractor, and then out onto the road. We continued down the road for a little while until we reached Richfield Loop. This is where our angel rider, Lyle, used to live. I turned in and led everyone through there. People were out watching, and many of them waved to all the different riders. When we finished the loop, I led everyone out, and we headed on toward our first stop, Bomgaars in Council Bluffs.
After riding along for another hour, we pulled off at Bomgaars. Courtesy of Unleashed Relief, everyone enjoyed some cookies and water, and wonderful visits with several people. The ride departed about 30 minutes later.
After we wound through the countryside for another 45 minutes, we pulled into Ditmars Orchard for lunch. Oh, my goodness, what a beautiful sight! One of the cool things that we all had the opportunity to do is pull in through a small inlet that runs parallel to their pumpkin patch. Again, lots to smell! While you were riding in, you could feel it slope down through the field, and even if you were not sighted, you knew exactly where you were through the tractor’s steering wheel. For lunch that day, they served us the best chicken wraps you have ever tasted, chips, and water and pop to drink. Everyone enjoyed themselves while there. The ride departed about an hour and a half later.
When we left Ditmars, the afternoon had a lot of gravel roads in store for us. We took the back roads from Ditmars to one of my favorite places to go on the tractor, a small town called McClelland. We pulled on down and lined up near the park. Beings it was my birthday, I wanted to share in the celebration. Courtesy of Unleashed Relief, riders enjoyed some white cupcakes with Oliver Green frosting and white sprinkles on them, along with bottled water. As people were eating, I gave everyone an update about what was going on with the research. A big breakthrough happened earlier this year: they have cured a visual impairment for a frog! Everybody cheered! Unfortunately, I did have to report that due to Covid-19, research has halted. They said that they do hope to resume sometime this fall, and at the latest, January. Of course, I then asked the question of which I always enjoy asking each year: “Please show me with applause, how many of you think we should do the ride again next year?” Everybody clapped and cheered as if they were at an MLB stadium and their favorite team had just scored a home run! So, we will do the ride again next year, August 7, 2021. Suddenly from nowhere, somebody yelled, “Let’s all sing Happy Birthday to Tyler!” Everyone did, making it the best birthday ever for me!
Before we left the park, I explained the next stop. It was at Mount Hope Church, though with a new concept. I explained that I was calling it a QCS (quick cookie stop). When we got to the church, everyone would pull in, and stay on their tractor. If they wanted a cookie, they could just raise their hand, and somebody would bring them one. Everybody loved it, and after riding down to the church and pulling in, all the hands went up!
Every year at this ride, it is always an honor for me to lead it and have everyone follow behind. This year, though, I wanted to have more family involvement. After the QCS, my great uncle Veryl, at my request, pulled in front of me and led the ride back to Old Highway 6 Tractor and Equipment, while I followed behind. Having Veryl lead was an absolute honor, and, in my opinion, brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “family involvement.” When we returned to Old Highway 6 Tractor and Equipment, everyone went up the hill to the loading dock, loaded up, and headed home for the day. The ride finished about 3:30 PM. The statistics are as follows: 42 tractors were there that day. There were 5 Olivers, 7 Ford, 9 John Deere, 1 Ferguson, 1 Kubota, 3 Allis Chalmers, 2 Case IH, and 14 International.