Drive Your Tractor to Church

North New Hope's "Drive Your Tractor to Church" Sunday has become such a hit, it needs its own page! This brainchild of Bob Ellingson (at left, RIP) and Karl Wogsland is in its 16th year and attracts folks of all faiths. Who'd a thunk a TRACTOR could be a tool of ecumenism!

"Drive Your Tractor to Church" Sundays traditionally fall on the second Sunday of August each year. 2024's event was held on August 11.

Tractor COLORS are another story among tractor owners and collectors, though, and manufacturers don't mess with COLORS.

There is a strong John Deere influence in the New Hope area and there's a reason for that. There was a John Deere dealer in nearby Nelsonville almost forever and, as in most farm communities, the proximity of a dealer pretty much dictates which brand of tractor is going to be most popular in any given area. If you or your parents or grandparents grew up using a particular brand... that's likely going to be YOUR brand too.

In 2013, Bob was honored by having this gathering dedicated to him and his wife, Bev, as Bob was instrumental in the concept and getting it off the ground.

Scenes from Drive Your Tractor to Church

Thanks to Kimmy Pingel and Lenore Peterson for the photos!