Big Show Tractorcade events begin Sunday

     After The Big Show Tractorcade was postponed from its original June dates, a poll was sent to those who were planning to participate, about rescheduling the event.

     “We got 70 replies,” said Matt Kenney of iheartmedia.com. “Sixty-seven of them said either ‘yes’ or ‘hell, yes.’ ”

     So, the Tractorcade, which begins and ends at the Great Jones County Fairgrounds in Monticello each day, was rescheduled for Sunday through Wednesday, Aug. 2-5.

     The response, Kenney said, has been “fantastic. People are itching to have something to do, to see, to get excited about.”

     A highlight of the event will be Sunday, Aug. 2, when tractors arrive for registration starting at 11 a.m. Lunch, viewing of the tractors, and dinner will all be available at no charge, with local food providers taking part.

     “I would encourage local people to come out,” Kenney said. “It’s free and open to the public.”

     Governor Kim Reynolds is expected to make an appearance Sunday, as well as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

     The rides themselves will begin Monday morning at 6:30 a.m. Monday’s ride will cover 72 miles, through the Linn County Fairgrounds in Central City, Stone City, and Anamosa.

     The Tuesday ride will include Canton, Baldwin, Wyoming, Onslow, Center Junction and Amber; a route covering 74 miles. Wednesday’s ride is shorter, 38 miles, through Cascade and Scotch Grove before returning to Monticello.

     More than 360 tractors have been entered, down from the 500 or so that past rides have had, but a strong number considering the impacts of COVID-19 on the state and the nation. Drivers can still register on a walk-in basis on Sunday.

     The Tractorcade is taking that situation into account.

     “We took some extra safety precautions,” Kenney said.

     Those include extra portapotties, sanitizing crews, having all stops outdoors, and serving meals in covered pavilions.

     The Big Show Tractorcade is the biggest ride in the State of Iowa. This year, it is combined with the WHO ride in central Iowa, since that one was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

     Kenney emphasized that people in Monticello, at the fairgrounds, and throughout Jones County have been helpful and supportive as plans progress.

     For information, contact Kenney at 319-350-5934 or mattkenney@iheartmedia.com.

     A daily schedule follows.

THE BIG SHOW TRACTORCADE

Sunday, Aug. 2

     11 a.m.-5 p.m. – Tractors arrive for registration at Great Jones County Fairgrounds. Tractors will be staged for viewing as they arrive, and throughout the day.

     11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Lunch and snacks available; open to the public.

     4-7 p.m. – Dinner served; open to the public.

Monday, Aug. 3

     6:30-11 a.m. – Tractorcade leaves Monticello.

     8-11 a.m. – Tractorcade goes through Hopkinton.

     9 a.m.-1 p.m. – Pit stop at Sts. Peter & Paul Church.

     10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. – Lunch at Linn County Fairgrounds; open to the public.

     1-5 p.m. – Pit stop in Stone City.

     2-6 p.m. – Pass through Anamosa, return to Monticello by 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 4

     6:30-11 a.m. – Tractorcade leaves Monticello.

     8-11 a.m. – Tractorcade goes through Scotch Grove.

     8 a.m.-noon – Pit stop at Welter Seed & Honey.

     9 a.m.-noon – Pass through Canton and Emiline.

     10 a.m.-3 p.m. – Lunch at Highway 64 Auctions in Baldwin; open to the public.

     1-5 p.m. – Pit stop at Wyoming Fairgrounds.

     1-4 p.m. – Passing through Onslow, Center Junction and Amber, return to Monticello by 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 5

     7-11 a.m. – Tractorcade leaves Monticello.

     8-11 a.m. – Tractorcade goes through Sand Springs.

     9 a.m.-noon – Pit Stop at Cascade Community Park.

     10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Pass through Scotch Grove.

     11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Return to Monticello.

     1-4 p.m. – Lunch; open to the public.

     There are no unscheduled stops; all tractors must stay on route and on schedule.