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For many farmers in Illinois, historic tractors hold a
special place in their heart. That sense of pride and
heritage is celebrated each year during the annual Heritage
Tractor Adventure along the I&M Canal in northern Illinois
each June.
The five day adventure combines vintage farm tractors and
displays with a historic ride, entertainment, great food and
camaraderie. WGN-720 AM’s own Max Armstrong, an avid
collector himself, sets off on the adventure that departs
the Chicago Speedway and ends in Grand Ridge. Events along
the way accommodate family members that are joining the
tractor drivers and other spectators that want to
participate in the fun.
1st Farm Credit Services (FCS) is one of the event sponsors.
This year 1st Farm Credit Services provided help with a
lunch for the drivers at the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and
sponsored a radio broadcast in Ottawa.
“It’s a family affair,” said Lonnie Doan, 1st FCS Vice
President, Ottawa. “Other people come from across the
country to see the tractors.”
Drivers departed the Chicago Speedway in Joliet on Monday,
June 14 for a 30 mile ride to Minooka and John Dollinger’s
farm. They then headed west for Morris for a parade down
Liberty Street and an evening event at the Grundy County
Fairgrounds. The next day the tractors headed for Ottawa’s
Center School for an Ag in the Classroom event, then on to
LaSalle and Illinois River Lock 14. Dinner was served at
the Peru Mall.
On Wednesday, June 16, the final day of driving, the
tractors split into two groups based on speed capability and
traveled to Starved Rock in Utica or the town of Grand
Ridge. A closing ceremony, hosted by Max Armstrong, brought
closure to the event.
A special event this year helped the tornado victims of
Utica, one of the communities that typically hosts the
adventure drivers. Pledges were taken in advance by tractor
drivers for the North Utica Relief Fund. Case IH also
donated a new Farmall utility tractor for auction during the
adventure. Max Armstrong and Orion Samuelson auctioned the
tractor during their “Noon at Night” show, along with
several toy tractors donated by local tractor clubs. More
than $20,000 was raised for the victims of the April 20
tornado.
A total of 339 tractors from across the Midwest participated
in the 2004 Heritage Tractor Adventure. Most of the drivers
brought their families along to enjoy the events designed
for the tour.
“We were sold out and had 50 more people on the waiting
list,” said Mary Beth DeGrush, special projects coordinator
for the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“It’s a great event. We fill up hotel rooms in communities
such as Peru and Morrisonville, and enjoy supporting these
small towns.”
“Some of my customers’ kids bought their parents passes for
Christmas,” said Doan.
The communities along the adventure route pull out all stops
to welcome the tour. Events are hosted by farm bureaus,
local restaurants and tourism bureaus, and meals are
designed for all who participate. “We’ve had many clients
retire, and now their kids are our clients,” said Doan.
“It’s really neat to see their families relax and enjoy this
event. They’re re-living a good memory with one, two or
three generations together.”
The 2005 event is scheduled for June 11-15 with many
exciting additions and more to come. Watch
www.heritagetractoradventure.com for updates on the 2005
event. |
