Records set at the annual Amish Country Tractor Cruise

Tractors as far as the eye can see!!! This is a shot of just a part of the long line of tractors coming down Vine Street in Arthur. They were part of the annual Amish Country Tractor Cruise that was making a comeback after a couple of years off. There were over 125 tractors that passed by the Welcome Center in Arthur.

Early morning thunderstorms did not deter the 2021 Amish Country Tractor held last Saturday in Arthur.

“We had a few cancellations due to the weather, but those numbers were offset by those who showed up without pre-registering,” according to Cruise Director, Jim Fleming. Fleming added, the overcast skies coupled to breezy conditions make the best cruise day. Road oil was not an issue.

147 tractors from eight states crisscrossed the Arthur area countryside. A rest and relaxation break was held at Larry and Sheryll Herschberger’s farm west of Arthur. Esther Beachy prepared cinnamon rolls, Sisters served coffee, and participants were able to visit and enjoy some live music.

The cruise arrived at Heritage Family Farms at 12:45 p.m. after traveling 36 miles for the lunch stop and program. Griffin’s BBQ and Catering of Kirksville prepared ribeye steak sandwiches, baked beans, cheesy potatoes, dessert, and drink. “We served 290 and set a record for lunch,” Fleming added.

Makenna Green, Miss Moultrie-Douglas County Fair Queen, Reggan Smith, Jr. Miss Moutltrie-Douglas, and Reagan McCumber, Little Miss Moultrie-Douglas welcomed participants and helped serve food. Megan Beckmier, ALAH FFA Advisor took pictures and prepared a slide show of the cruise. FFA members representing ALAH, Clinton, Unity, and Tuscola participated in the cruise. Yoder’s Kitchen donated door prizes.

Jerry Kuhns, Arthur was the oldest driver at 95 years of age, while Tanner Beckmier of Atwood was the youngest driver at 16.

The oldest tractor was a 1929 Ford entry driven by Richard Gregory of Bethany. The tractor being in the same family the longest was an Oliver 70 driven by Todd Easton of Charleston. The tractor has been in his family since 1950 and was purchased by his Grandpa Bill Furry.

Traveling the farthest was John Goroncy of Danville, West Virginia.

Thanks to all participants and volunteers for another great cruise. Next year’s Amish Country Tractor Cruise will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022.