Maybe it’s the allure of Michigan’s 5-mile suspension bridge with its majestic views. Or perhaps it’s the vast array of antique tractors and the camaraderie among drivers. Or maybe it’s for the thrill and the bragging rights to say, “I did that.”
For three Wisconsin friends, it was all of these things.
Crossing the Mighty Mac
Ken Jentges, Jeff Mueller and Jerry Esselmann loaded up their antique tractors and trekked 350 miles and seven hours through the Badger State and across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to partake in the 16th Annual Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing on Sept. 7.
Despite its chilly and windy start, the event drew massive crowds on both sides of the bridge to cheer on the 1,265 tractor drivers. From purring and polished to rusty and running hard, there’s no discrimination as the diversity of people and their tractors are embraced.
“This event draws people from all over,” says Jentges, who returned after crossing six years earlier with Mueller and expanded this year’s experience by adding Esselmann as a newbie. “I barely had the tractor unloaded and there were guys taking pictures. I got into a conversation, and I noticed one had a heck of an accent, so I asked where he was from. He said Massachusetts.”
Held the weekend after Labor Day, the event has served as a magnet for Michigan, pulling in antique tractor enthusiasts and drivers of all ages — from 18 to 101 this year — from 28 states and Canada.
Starting in the Lower Peninsula, tractors parade across the bridge to the Upper Peninsula, where they end with a tractor show, games, food and fun in St. Ignace Saturday and Sunday.
16-year tradition
Bob Baumgras, owner of Owosso Tractor Parts in Owosso, Mich., came up with the idea several years ago and pulled off the first crossing in 2008 with 614 tractors.
“What I like most about the event is it means something different to everybody that’s here,” says Baumgras, who notes the increased interest and influx of young people getting involved. “Everybody has their own story. Maybe it was Granddad’s tractor or my dad’s tractor, or I farmed with this when I was a kid. They just can’t stop loving their tractors. And when you mix that camaraderie in with the Mackinac Bridge and this event, it’s pretty special.”
Jentges, Port Washington, drove a 1959 Case 800, a Western tractor similar to one his father owned, which was delivered the day he was born. He bought the tractor six years ago and made minor improvements. Like many who own antique tractors, Jentges doesn’t have just one. He owns 15 other Case antique tractors, in addition to the tractors he uses to farm 500 acres of corn, wheat and soybeans.
Mueller, who hails from Random Lake, drove a 1963 John Deere 40, just like his grandfather’s tractor he grew up with. “I just want to take care of it and have a little fun with it because it brings back good memories,” he says. “We just love this event. And, even before the crossing, we spent four-plus hours walking around, looking at tractors and visiting with people.” Mueller says they added a visit to Mackinac Island, as well.
Esselmann, West Bend, drove his 1957 International 350 tractor, originally owned by his parents and used on their dairy farm until 1997. The tractor, which has been in their family since its purchase in 1974, features power steering and a fast hitch, and has been converted to a 12-volt system.
“It was painted in 1974, and it maintains that patina,” he says. “Being my first time, it was exciting. … It’s a bucket list sort of thing. We belong to the Ixonia tractor club, and the last few years they’ve had people drive all the way from Ixonia, which is west of Milwaukee. If we can get another group together again, I’d love to do it again.”
Celebration for all
The event serves as a source of inspiration and celebration for many, with stories of personal triumphs and family traditions, Baumgras says.
“The camaraderie among tractor enthusiasts is really what it’s all about, with participants forming lifelong friendships and enjoying the shared experience,” he says. “It’s a wholesome family activity, promoting a positive and inclusive environment for all ages. It’s also become a place for significant life events, such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and family gatherings, often surpassing traditional family reunions.”
The event is capped at 1,500 tractors, and registration usually begins the end of February. Spectators are welcome, and the event is free.
Tractors must be at least 40 years old and go at least 10 mph on pneumatic tires only. Drivers must belong to a participating tractor club and be at least 18 years old. To learn more about the event, visit mackinacbridgecrossing.com or search for “Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing” on Facebook. Check out the photo gallery featuring many tractors and drivers from this year’s event.
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