LANESVILLE, Ind. — Farmers and collectors enjoy an opportunity to show off their tractors. Those involved with the Lanesville Heritage Weekend will even pay $25 each for the chance to drive their tractors, just to have lunch and raise money for their local Relay For Life.

  

May 20 threatened rain, but it didn’t scare 47 drivers away from joining the 20-mile ride from the park in Lanesville to Joe Huber’s Farm and Restaurant in Starlight for lunch. A rainbow of tractors from the 1940s to the ‘80s paraded through the countryside for the fun of it, while raising a little money – more than $1,600, to be precise.

The group also towed its own portable toilet, courtesy of Board Chair Kenny Acton and an Oliver 550 restored by his brother, Jim.

Although he doesn’t farm now, Acton said he helps his uncle and he’ll always “be a farm boy at heart.”

Board secretary and co-organizer of the ride, Amy Watson, said the organization does much to raise money for charity besides the ride, which was in its seventh year. She said a yard sale a couple of weeks prior to the ride raised $500 for the Relay For Life, which is also conducted on the grounds of Heritage Weekend on June 9.

Along with the 47 tractors that participated, Watson said “several more met at Huber’s for lunch and a group of the wives went to the orchard and winery after lunch. “We always have a great time, and each year we pick a different location.”

She said they always try to “one-up” the previous year, although it’s getting more difficult each year. With about 300-400 members on the roster, the 12- member board decides how to distribute charitable funds to more than just Relay For Life. Past beneficiaries included Big Brothers Big Sisters, Camp Quality for children battling cancer, local charities and sometimes even local families in need.

Funds are raised via the tractor ride, yard sale, Heritage Weekend and the organization’s large Christmas party. “We try to give back to the community,” Watson said.

Membership in the organization is just $5 “for all the work you can stand,” she joked. “Some just send their $5 to say they are members; some work around the grounds. We need people year-round. There’s something for everyone to do, no matter how they want to be involved.” This year’s Heritage Weekend is Sept. 7-10. For more information, visit www.lanesvilleheritageweekend.org