Vintage tractor drivers make 34-mile county loop

Thirteen members of the Lewis-Clark Antique Power Club drove vintage tractors some 34 miles along county roads in south Whitman County Saturday.

Participants of the third annual tractor drive began and ended their four-hour ride in Johnson, waving to families as they passed by at a leisurely 10 miles per hour.

At 70 years or older, many of the vintage tractors have been around longer than those driving them.

“A lot of us grew up with these tractors,” said former LCAPC president Everett Martin, who participated in this year’s event. “There was a number of us with these old tractors and we wanted to get them out for some exercise.”

Tractor drives are a growing trend across the country, with some spanning hundreds of miles over several days. The LCAPC is one of 54 branches belonging to the National Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association.

Martin says LCAPC is always open to new members, with a two-tiered membership cost of $10 and $20. Contact Judith Durfey at (509) 338-2650 for more information.