Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How did the idea of the Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise begin?
A. The Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise was inspired by the Show-Me Tractor Cruise organized in Missouri by KFEQ Farm Director Tom Brand. Missouri has been holding this successful benefit since 2003.
Q. Why did you choose Camp Quality as the organization to benefit?
A. Missouri's Show-Me Tractor Cruise also benefits Camp Quality and we decided to continue this tradition in Ohio, except of course the Ohio organization will receive our donations. It is a worthy cause with profits from the event helping to send cancer-stricken children to camp!
Q. How does the race raise money for Camp Quality?
A. Drivers are challenged to raise at least $100 in pledges and sponsors for the ride. ALL donations collected are given to Camp Quality of Ohio.
Each driver pays a $30 registration fee to participate in the drive. For their registration, each driver is guaranteed a spot in the line-up, is given a t-shirt and breakfast and lunch.The fee helps cover the costs of organizing the ride, including correspondence, postage, printing. Any of the remaining dollars are held held in reserve to offset the costs associated with making the DVDs, postage and printing needs for the next year's drive and any other miscellaneous costs.
Q. What route will the cruise take?
A. Click here to view a map of the Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise route.
Q. How will registration work?
A.
Registration will be open Friday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday morning from 6-8 a.m. Please check-in immediately upon arrival at the Mercer County Fairgrounds. You will receive a map of the cruise route, information about the area, and a number for line-up. Those arriving Friday night, may park their tractors/trailers at the fairgrounds. Tractors will be parked inside a secured building overnight. Trucks/trailers will be parked outdoors in an unsecure lot.
Q. What meals/snacks will be provided?
A.
Hopewell Grange of Mercer County has graciously offered to serve an Old Fashioned breakfast for drivers and guests for a small donation to cover the cost of food. Any additional money raised will be donated to Camp Quality.
Lunch will be provided for drivers at no cost courtesy of our sponsors. Additional lunches for guests were available for $10 at the time of registration.
Each driver will also receive a small cooler containing a bottle of water and snacks to enjoy during the drive. An additional bottle of water may be picked up for the afternoon portion of the drive before departing the lunch stop.
During the afternoon we’Äôll take a brief break at the Auglaize-Mercer County YMCA where drivers can use the restroom facilities and will enjoy an ice cream treat courtesy of Velvet Ice Cream.
Q. What if it rains?
A.
The cruise continues rain or shine. In the case of severe storms, drivers would be directed into the nearest available shelter. The cruise will be accompanied by local highway patrol who would offer direction in the event of an emergency stop.
Q. What if I break down?
A.
The cruise will be escorted by local law enforcement who will dispatch our sag wagons if repair or transport is needed.
Who ensures the event is run safely?
All drivers must attend a brief meeting at 8:30 a.m. the morning of the cruise where cruise guidelines will be discussed. Drivers must operate their tractors in a safe manner in accordance with these guidelines. NO EXCEPTIONS. Anyone deemed to be acting or driving in a manner that is unsafe will immediately be dismissed from the tractor cruise. In the event of a potential dismissal, law enforcement and cruise coordinators have the final say.
Q. How do you keep on schedule?
A. The power of 21st Century technology keeps us going! Using a Global Position System (GPS) on the lead tractor, we'll be able to tell our current ground speed and average speed for the day. We also use a computer program, Microsoft's MapPoint, to plot out the map and the times we cross certain intersections. This system, along with a good group of guys that have accurate watches and air horns that can get your attention, will keep things running smoothly.
Q. Who is organizing the Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise?
A. The folks at ABN/BARN are overseeing and organizing the event.
Q. How can I get involved in Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise?
A. We rely on the efforts of other volunteers to help with tasks leading up to the drive and on the day of the Cruise. If you'd like to be involved, we'd appreciate hearing from you. In addition, your company can become involved by sponsoring our Cruise. Please E-mail or call Robyn Callicoat, she'll let you know how you can help!