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America in the Morning
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Brian Neben, Courtesy

FRANKLIN — The 8th Annual Nebraska Tractor Drive will take place on June 14 and 15 in Franklin.

Donna Wilton, who helps manage the event, said the inception for the tractor drive started when the past host of the event was no longer going to hold it. They wanted to carry on a tractor drive in central Nebraska, she said.

The first year for the event was 2016 and it has grown each subsequent year with 96 antique tractors registered this year. The deadline has passed but Weldon said there is always next year for those who want to participate.

The purpose of the event is, “To unite fellow United States residents interested in collecting, preserving and using old farm machinery. To drive and enjoy our antique tractors on a two-day drive and to enjoy the fellowship with other antique tractor enthusiasts,” per printed information regarding the event.

Its not just for the love of old tractors, but the event also, ‘Drives for a Cause.’ The proceeds from drivers and sponsors will be donated to the Central Nebraska Veterans Home activities department, located in Kearney, and a local charity in Franklin.

From the start, Wilton said they have made a point to support veterans through the event. She said the sponsors are included on the back of each T-shirt that the drivers wear on the road and also on a sign that the public could view.

To date, Wilton said $50,000 has been raised and donated through the tractor drive. “It’s amazing,” she said.

The check with the proceeds raised this year will be part of a larger parade in front of the Veterans Home on Wednesday, June 26.

The start and finish point each day is the Franklin County Fairgrounds, located at 1201 G Road in Franklin. The start time each morning is 8:30 a.m.

Wilton said its, “amazing what you can see from the seat of a tractor, going 12 miles per hour.”

She said the public is more than encouraged to come out and see the tractors on the road or where they are stopped at on the route. Wilton said the drivers love to share their passion for antique tractors.