A parade of 41 antique tractors raised more than $40,000 for Eden Health Care Services in southern Manitoba July 25.
The tractors, 40 years and older, travelled 40 kilometres through six 130 year-old Mennonite villages during the second annual Eden Foundation Tractor Trek.
The foundation operates an acute care hospital in Winkler, affordable housing units in Winkler and Steinbach and provides counselling and social services for people with mental health concerns.
Along the route, people lined up to see the parade of antique tractors, some completely restored and others still in use on the farms.
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The trek began with a breakfast for trekkers and visitors. From Reinland, the trekkers moved through Schoenweise and Gnadenthal, stopping at the Blumengart Hutterite Colony to take in lunch and singing.
The trek continued through the villages of Friedensruh and Neuenburg, where they stopped for snacks and a tractor race.
A 1957 Massey-Harris 444 won the race to determine the slowest tractor without the use of a brake or clutch. There were also prizes for the smoothest running and most quiet tractor.
The trek continued to Reinland for supper, where prizes were awarded.
A 430 John Deere won in the best restored tractor category, with Ryan Braun, 15, winning the youngest driver award and John Friesen, 85, rewarded as the oldest.
Next year’s trek is planned for July 17.
