Almost three years ago we began conversations with representatives of Eden East about a jointly sponsored fundraising event. A year or two earlier Eden had held a special tractor ride to celebrate their 40th anniversary. The ride consisted of 40 tractors, each tractor being at least 40 years old, and travelling a distance of 40 kilometers. As is normally the case in a walk-a-thon or a bike-a-thon, the drivers were expected to get sponsors for the ride.
That conversation three years ago resulted in the initiation of our Tractor Trek. This year, weather permitting, the Tractor Trek takes place on Saturday, June 9. The old tractors used in this event don’t typically have cabs on them.
This year we are hoping to have 50 tractors, each being at least 50 years old, and the planned route is approximately 50 kilometers. Tractors will leave MHV at 10:00 AM and head down the service roads to Blumenort. In Blumenort we will drive by Oakwood Place and then head back south to PR311 and east to Giroux. From Giroux the route follows Highway 210 to La Broquerie where we will stop for lunch, tractor judging and a silent auction in the park. During this stop the public will be invited to vote for their favourite tractor for “The People’s Choice” award.
After lunch the trek will resume south on Provincial Route 302 and west on 303 to the Friedensfeld Community Centre which will be the location of our afternoon break. From there the tractors will make their way back to MHV via Road 35E, Hespler Street, Old Tom Road and Park Road. A windup supper in the Village Centre will wrap up the festivities of the day.
The public is invited to join the drivers in a variety of ways. A Jreewe (Crackling) breakfast will be available in the Livery Barn Restaurant for $8.00 from 7:00 till 9:30. A barbecue lunch, including water melon and “rollkuchen” will be available for purchase at the La Broquerie Park between 12:00 and 2:00. A traditional meal of Vereniki and Farmer Sausage will be available for $15.00 at 5:30 PM. Anyone wishing to attend the supper should call MHV at 326-9661 to make a reservation. If none of the activities around meals are suitable, pull up a chair along the route and enjoy the scene.
The partnership between Eden East and MHV is one where each organization brings something unique and significant to the relationship. Eden brings the vision and experience in organizing such an event. MHV brings a relationship with the Southeast Implement Collectors, many of whom have become supporters of the Trek. All together, we are able to stage an interesting and effective fundraising event which both organizations and the public benefit from.
