In last week’s post I provided an overview of the Mennonite Heritage Village / Eden East Tractor Trek fundraiser, including its history and some detail of its schedule for 2012. This week I am pleased to report that despite the fact that we had to cancel much of the Trek due to the thunder showers, we did enjoy some considerable successes.
The first success was breakfast. The Livery Barn Restaurant provided an energy filled breakfast of “jreeve,” scrambled eggs, hash-browns, and home-made brown bread with jam. At 9:45 we gathered for announcements, a prayer for safety and a song to send us on our way. Joel Klassen, an employee of Eden, wrote event-appropriate words to the tune of Gene Autry’s song, “Back in the Saddle Again.” Gerry Sapinsky, an MHV volunteer, sang the song, “Back on my Tractor Again.”
We left for Blumenort at 10:00 with a view to remaining on the east side of a north-bound weather system. As we approached Blumenort it became obvious that we would not likely avoid the storm. And we didn’t. Shortly after leaving Blumenort the electrical storm was upon us and a decision was made to terminate the trek and head back to MHV. A number of drivers took shelter along the way. The rest braved the elements and arrived back at MHV wet and covered with sand. The west wind ensured that all drivers of these south-bound tractors were doused by the sand and water being raised by the tractor tires.
After some clean-up the group made their way to the La Broquerie Park for a great lunch and some silent auction prizes. Despite the cold damp conditions, we were received warmly and well fed by this community.
Supper was served in the Village Centre Auditorium at 5:30. By now everyone had found dry clothes and some had even enjoyed a nap in the afternoon. The food, the stories around the tables, the entertainment by Matt Zimmerman and Maria, and the prizes all combined to create a very enjoyable evening. Al Hamm, committee chair, reported that 55 drivers took up the challenge raising $39,000. This compares to last year’s trek of 47 drivers and $34,500. The Trek has grown each year and we hope to see continued growth next year.
