[Video by Bird’s Eye View Aerial Services]

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.

Waving American flags, a long, red line of Farmall and International tractors roll down Route 34 and Kentville Road on their way to the Francis Park Fourth of July Celebration where they were on display along with other vintage farm implements. [Photo by Dave Clarke]

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.

Tractor driver Rich Bennett and a passenger head to Francis Park on a Model 70 John Deere. [Photo by Dave Clarke]

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.

Judging from the height of the corn in the background, it won’t be long before this vintage New Idea two-row mounted picker will be gathering in the ears. [Photo by Dave Clarke]

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.

Sunrise and steel were how the day began as vintage tractors, including this impressive row of Farmalls and a token John Deere driven by members of the Kuster and Sierens families, waited to begin the annual tractor drive from the Walmart parking lot to Francis Park. [Photo by Dave Clarke]

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.

Last, but certainly not least in this year’s drive was this “big, green monster,” a Steiger, farming’s first big tractor known for its high horsepower Detroit Diesel engine, articulated four-wheel drive, innovative electronic monitoring system and comfortable cab. The first tractor was built in 1957. The company merged with Case IH in 1986 and is now part of its product line. [Photo by Dave Clarke]

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.