Loose Leaf Notes

The following is an abbreviated version of the Fun Run Tractor Ride story and photos that were published in The Floyd Press on August 23.

The weather was good and spirits were high for the sixth annual Floyd Tractor Fun Run on Saturday.  A final count of 115 tractors made for a colorful display as they made there way down Locust and Main Street.

The majority of participating tractors were antiques and many pulled trailers or wagons full of riders (128 signed up) who waved to bystanders as they passed.

The 35 mile ride was done in memory of Chance Harman, Joshua Cantrell and Kassidy Foster, local children who died from cancer in 2007.  Proceeds from Saturday’s benefit Fun Run will go to Floyd leukemia patient Dillon Wood and Great Strides, a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

During the morning registration at Arlie Thompson’s farm, co-organizer Dale Thompson spoke about the generosity of the community and the blessing of good weather.  He thanked the many sponsors of the ride before passing the microphone to fellow co-organizer Larry Bishop, who led the crowd in a pre-ride prayer in honor of children with health challenges.

Tractor run participants enjoyed a lunch midway through the ride, provided at the home of Marvin and Minnie West on Franklin Pike.  A lunch of chili, macaroni and cheese and more was included in the $10 Fun Run ticket price.

“We estimate that close to 300 people came for lunch,” said Thompson. He explained that some supporters don’t do the ride but come for fellowship and lunch.

“Before expenses, we raised somewhere between $5,000 and $6,000,” Thompson reported.  “We couldn’t have asked for a more fun and beautiful day.”   ~ Colleen Redman

Read more about the Floyd Tractor Fun Run HERE.