A gleaming line of classic farm tractors chugged, hummed and popped down Route 34 and Kentville Road, Friday, in the annual Fourth of July tractor drive from the Walmart parking lot to Francis Park.
Over 50 tractors in a variety of colors, makes and sizes, from a blue David Brown made in England to a huge, lime green four-wheel drive Steiger, began the trek at 8 a.m., winding through Kewanee on “34” then east on Kentville Road. At County Line Road the procession turned north ending at Francis Park.
In past years any long-time participants who died during the year were honored just before the drive began. Last year, the late Bennett Kuster was remembered by his family and fellow drivers. This year, however, Brett Bennett, who organizes the drive along with Mark Rose, said “No one died this year, so no ceremony,” adding that they were glad for that.
Back in 2007, when tractor drives were just becoming “a thing,” a local Farmall enthusiast named Freddie Martin, and a group of antique tractor buffs who met every day for coffee at a local restaurant, thought a long line of tractors, each flying an American flag, rolling through town toward Francis Park early on the morning of the July Fourth celebration there, would draw attention to the event.
At the time, the festival had begun to attract smaller crowds. “Pull the pin and bring ‘em in,” was Martin’s clarion call to fellow antique tractor owners indicating that even tractors with a little dirt on the tires or rust on the fenders was welcome. Around 20 tractors showed up the first year and the drive grew to over 60 in later years.
This year’s turnout, around 50, was considered good. Children and grandchildren are now riding along with their dads (and moms) and, in some cases, driving one of the tractors themselves, indicating that the Fourth of July tractor drive might be rolling along for years to come.
