Steve Zetah from Lincoln, Minn., had never been across the Mackinac Bridge before — not even in a vehicle. But, when he heard about antique tractors parading across the 5-mile suspension bridge, it quickly was added to his bucket list — never mind it being a 600-mile trek each way.

The planning started months earlier for the Saturday morning event. He teamed up with friend Verde Pepin, 89, of Motley, Minn., Sept. 7 to join 1,265 tractors parading in the 16th annual Michigan Antique Tractor Crossing of the Mackinac Bridge.

Zetah trailered up his 1937 John Deere A, while Pepin brought his 1950 white Farmall C demonstration tractor. Setting out Thursday morning before the Saturday event, they spent the night in Escanaba in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula before arriving Friday morning in the Mackinaw City staging area two miles south of the bridge.

The weekend after Labor Day, the event has served as a magnet for Michigan, pulling in antique tractor enthusiasts and drivers of all ages — 18 to 101 this year — from 28 states and Canada.

Massive crowds gathered on both sides of the bridge, despite the day’s chilly and windy start, to cheer on participants. From purring and polished to rusty and running hard, there’s no discrimination as the diversity of people and their tractors are embraced.

‘Nothing like it’

“It was amazing,” Zetah says. “There’s nothing like it.”

Zetah purchased his JD A from a large collector in Iowa. It was equipped with an aftermarket add-on gearbox built by the Behlen Manufacturing Co. in Nebraska for As and Bs, which gives two extra road gears. A higher speed was necessary, or it would not have met the minimum speed of 10 mph to cross. It is part of Zetah’s vintage collection, which includes a 1938 John Deere B that was his grandfather’s.

The white Farmall Cs were the first built of the 1950 models with the intention of dealers taking them to the farms to operate and drawing a little attention. Pepin’s was built Dec. 22, 1949, which makes it an early one.

Starting in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, tractors parade across the bridge to the Upper Peninsula, where the event ends with a show, tractor games, food and fun Saturday and Sunday in St. Ignace.

Annual event continues to grow

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.”

The event serves as a source of inspiration and celebration for many, with stories of personal triumphs and family traditions, according to Baumgras.

“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.”

Zetah’s family farms 1,200 acres, growing corn, soybeans and hay, and raising beef cattle. “My son, Kevin, bought the farm from my mom and he’s home making hay,” he says. “I’m semi-retired and having a little fun.”

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 ride on pneumatic tires. Drivers must belong to a participating tractor club and be age 18 years or older. To learn more about the event, visit mackinacbridgecrossing.com or search for Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing on Facebook.