More than 500 tractors join annual Iowa joyride

[June 17, 2009]  DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) -- More than 500 tractors are joining a three-day joyride around eastern Iowa, an annual 50-mile trek from Dubuque to Dyersville and back.

Organizers say 509 tractors were registered for the 10th anniversary of the Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, which began Monday. That's up from the previous high of 450.

The line of orange, blue, yellow, red and green tractors stretched for miles, with most cruising at about 16 mph. Bearing names like John Deere, Ford and Farmall, they stick to local roads and pass tree houses, tire swings, barns and banks along the way.

Tom McClain, who traveled from Phoenix for the ride, says it's like a family reunion. Darold Sindt of Keystone, Iowa, says "tractor people" are a different sort of club.

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Information from: Telegraph Herald, http://www.thonline.com/

[Associated Press]

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