Tractor Trotters break entry record

"It was our best year yet,"  Jeanne Arthurs told hundreds of tractor owners-operators, families and community supporters who gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion in Richards Landing following the 20th Anniversary Canada Day Tractor Trot.

A total of 117 tractors of all sizes, shapes, makes and models gathered at the legion from near and far, proceeded into Richards Landing to sidewalks lined with supporters, many attending their first tractor trot.

The previous record was 101 set a couple years ago and a far cry from the 18 the first year.

The weather graced the event as it has consecutively for two decades, starting off cool and breezy but ended up with sunshine.  

Arthurs welcomed everyone to the 20th Annual Canada Day Tractor Trot.

"Where the idea of going into Richards Landing for coffee on the morning of Canada Day has now become a tradition of tractors decorated for Canada Day traveling into Richards Landing for the enjoyment of the drivers as well as the many spectators along the way then returning to the legion for breakfast and prizes," Arthurs said. 

Twenty years ago, four friends Gerry Hawdon, Gord Hawdon, Ed Arthurs and the late, Lloyd Schell, "hatched" the idea of going to Ann's Cafe' (presently Camille's) by tractor for coffee on the morning of Canada Day.

Brian and Ann Page, owner's of Ann's Cafe', were so generous they opened their restaurant for the morning for one of the very few days, Arthur said they could have been off. 

"We are still touched and grateful for their kindness," Arthurs said wearing the T-shirt, Page gave her two decades ago. "From then, it was only a few years before we outgrew the Ann's Cafe and it's when the legion came into the picture."

Arthurs went on to thank the legion, volunteers, businesses and the community.

"Above all, thank you to all the tractor drivers who makes this event what it is," Arthurs said. "We mourn the loss of a few more tractor drivers and we welcome the introduction of a few new ones."

For Janette Ellens of McBain, Michigan, this year's tractor trot was particularly special. 

McBain was driving a Farmall H, originally owned by her late father, Don Coulver, and now resides on St. Joseph Island.

Over the years, Arthurs has recorded the names of more than 250 people who have participated.