The 13th annual Callaway Vintage Tractor Drive is set to go off Aug. 25 with as many hitches as possible - but hopefully no problems - starting at 9 a.m. and running through county roads in southern Callaway County.
The drive, hosted by the Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society, will start and end at Mokane Lions Park, 301 River St. in Mokane, forming a loop that includes a morning break and a lunch stop at Tebbetts.
Drivers can pre-register by calling 573-642-0570 for $35 or register at the event for $45. Registration includes a free ticket for lunch and an 18-month calendar made with photos from last year's drive.
Lunch will be held at Tebbets Park on Missouri 94 around 12:30 p.m. and will include barbecued pork steaks, hot dogs, scalloped potatoes, green beans, loaded baked beans, corn, coleslaw, baked bread, drinks and dessert. Extra meal tickets will cost $10 for adults, $2.50 for children ages 4-12, and free for children younger than 4.
There also will be homemade ice cream at the end of the drive.
Money raised through registration fees will go to the Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society, and funds from meal tickets will go to the Tebbetts Community Center.
Barbara Huddleston, a director of the historical society, said the tractor drive raises around $1,000 every year.
About 20 have registered, so far, but many sign up the last few weeks before the event, she said.
"The first year we had a little over 50 drivers," Huddleston said. "We have had as many as 90 drivers. Last year, I think it was 59, so it just depends on the crowed and what's going on."
Most drivers live in Callaway County, but a few come from Jefferson City or other parts of Missouri, Huddleston added. The route for the drive changes every year to expose drivers to a different part of the county.
Huddleston said the number of people who come out to watch the drive varies depending on the route, but this year, the hope is people from around Tebbetts will come and join in for lunch.
"We try to tell people the areas we're driving, and a lot of times people out in the country will sit and watch and wave at the tractors," Huddleston said.