Crossing the Mackinac Bridge by tractor

It’s usually exciting to be part of something very new and different! Getting to cross the Mackinac Bridge on my restored 1956 Ferguson 40 was more than exciting. It was memorable! 

On the morning of the crossing, in an old gravel pit West of Mackinaw City, over 600 antique engines roared to life when told to “start our tractors”. It was about 8am on Friday, September 12, 2008, and the smoke and noise from those priceless antique machines became a permanent memory of what we were about to accomplish.

There were 627 farm tractors of every shape, size and color that made the trek of nearly 20 miles to the Kewadin Shores Casino parking lot where high-fives, hand shakes and much back slapping occurred among the drivers. The idea of the crossing was originally conceived and promoted by Bob Baumgras, Owner of Owosso Tractor Parts. This annual event is now in it’s 16th year and is still a hugely successful event.

My advice, “DO IT IF YOU CAN!” 

Max Miner
Allegan, Michigan
Tractor Photo Contest Winner