A caravan of old-timey tractors is about to make its way down Route 48.
Motorists who are in a rush might want to steer clear of North Road on Sunday, April 26, when the Long Island Antique Power Association hosts its first antique tractor ride. There is a participatory donation of $20 and all proceeds benefit The Wounded Warrior Project. Additional donations are appreciated.
The event kicks off at 8 a.m.
The parade of vehicles will leave from the organization’s grounds at the corner of Herricks Lane and Sound Avenue in Northville and make its way east, ending at Erk’s Breakfast and Lunch in Southold for brunch.
“Considering tractors only go about four to five miles an hour, it’s going to take a while,” said Susan Young, who is organizing the event with her husband, Bruce, the organization’s president. “It’s going to be cool. We have about 10 people signed up, but we’re expecting more.”
Tractors made before 1965 are considered antique, but Bruce Young said the organization won’t discriminate against tractor owners with newer models looking to participate in the event.
“If someone is willing to make a donation, we will let them go,” said Young, who will drive his 1938 Farmall in the parade.
Young estimates there are about 350 antique tractors in the region, including still-functioning rigs from the 1930s.
“We got two new member [applications] in the mail today,” he said.
The Youngs chose the Wounded Warrior Project as the event’s beneficiary after watching a disabled veteran compete on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and also because their son Daniel is a Marine.
“He has no left arm below the elbow. He has a prosthetic leg. It just amazed me what this guy could do,” Young said of Noah Galloway, who is competing on the show’s 20th season.
For more information on the event and the Long Island Antique Power Association, visit www.LIAPA.com or call the Youngs at (631) 727-7943.
