Tractor Drive turnout small but dedicated

The turnout to the 16th annual Mennonite Heritage Village Tractor Drive fundraiser was small, but executive director Robert Goertzen said they came prepared to raise funds.

Only nine tractors were parked on the village’s main street to kick off the Sept.13 event, which saw drivers complete a circuit that included several stops including lunch at Unger Meats.

“Overall, it was an excellent day,” Goertzen said. “We did have a lower turnout however the people that were involved raised over $10,000 and so it was a successful day.”

Goertzen said they had expected more entries, but several had to bow out at the last minute while others had expressed their desire but just couldn’t make the date work.

Funds raises are included in general fundraising, but Goertzen said they expect to use it to complete their three-year signage project which has already led to larger signs being placed outside the various heritage buildings.

Since the Tractor Trek as a partnership with Eden Mental Health came to an end, MHV has been trying to find their place with the current version.

Adult and Teen Challenge embraced the idea, hosting their own tractor trek event earlier this year.

“We usually have it in June and we moved it to September for various reasons and this year was kind of a trial, so we’ll do some evaluations and see what works best,” he said.

Goertzen said both spring and fall events can interfere with agricultural activities, affecting the turnout.

“We’ll take a look at what the feedback is for our riders and those who would have liked to be a part of it but couldn’t make it,” he added.

Whatever the timing for next year, Goertzen said the annual event will continue.

“I appreciate the support that we had both from individuals and from local businesses,” he said.