Tractor parade to tour county

Sometimes the best ideas come from friends talking over a cup of coffee.
Luverne's first annual tractor ride on Friday, Sept. 2, is a good example.
According to Rodger Ossenfort, the Luverne Area Chamber is discussing having a tractor ride next year as part of Luverne's 150th Anniversary celebration.
One day, while he and Ken Vos were having coffee, the idea to do a trial-run tractor ride this year was born.
"We just thought let's do a pre-run this year to see how it goes," said Ossenfort, Luverne. “Then we can hopefully get even more people next year.”
The two men joined with Jerold Mann, who has participated in similar tractor rides in Iowa, and began planning Luverne's first tractor ride.
"The ride is open to all tractors; they don't have to be antiques," Ossenfort said. "They just need to be able to go 10 or 12 miles an hour to keep up."
Other requirements are that riders must have a properly mounted seat and have a valid driver’s license and insurance. Dual wheels aren’t allowed and alcohol won’t be permitted during the tractor ride.
Participants will gather at the Luverne City Park at 8 a.m. on Sept. 2 and depart at 8:30.
A registration fee of $25 will include breakfast in Magnolia and lunch in Hardwick after traveling through Kenneth.
Ossenfort said the group might stop for ice cream or other treats at Rauk's in Beaver Creek and they expect to be back in Luverne by late afternoon.
Those who would like more information may contact the three organizers or the Chamber office in Luverne.
"We're just hoping to get a nice turnout and have a great ride around the county," Ossenfort said. "Hopefully it will be a yearly thing."