Monti to host WMT Tractorcade

     Monticello has been chosen to host the WMT (AM 600) Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade June 7-10.

     This will be the 21^st year for the tractorcade, which annually draws nearly 500 tractors.

     It’s an opportunity for tractor collectors and enthusiasts to celebrate their hobby and farm heritage together.

     “(Monticello has) been on our list for a few years now,” said Matt Kenney, events organizer for WMT. “We wanted to get the blessing from John Harms first to make sure the grounds would be available, since it’s a month before the fair.”

     The event will begin with tractors rolling into town on Sunday, June 7. It’s a day for drivers to settle in and get ready for the rides, which begin on Monday, June 8. On Sunday there will be an auction, raffle, food, entertainment and more. That event is open to the public and is free.

     The ride begins and ends each day at the Great Jones County Fairgrounds. Stops on Monday will include Hopkinton, the Linn County Fairgrounds, Stone City and Anamosa.

     On Day 2, it will roll through Scotch Grove, Canton, Baldwin, Oxford Junction and Wyoming before returning to the fairgrounds in Monticello.

     Cascade and Temple Hill will be among the stops on the third day, Wednesday, June 10.

     The tractors are divided into groups that leave at strict times about 45 minutes apart, so that law enforcement knows where the tractors will be at any given time.

     Applications for primary drivers, secondary drivers and “buddy seat” riders; as well as lodging and camping information, are available through this link: https://600wmtradio.iheart.com/featured/wmt-great-eastern-iowa-tractorcade/.

     Fee is $150 for primary drivers, $70 for secondary drivers, and buddy seat passengers ride free. The funds cover WMT’s costs in setting up the event, paying fees to rent property, advertising, and more.

     Kenney said there are plenty of sponsorship opportunities associated with the event, and WMT will be contacting local businesses to see if they are interested.

     “We try to do as much local as possible,” he said.