This year, 17 tractors and a Model A Ford made their way from East Kingsford to the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, where the caravan made two trips past the main entrance where long-term care center residents were there to greet the parade. The group then parked at the nearby First Lutheran Church so veterans could see the tractors close up and talk with the owners.

Army veteran Lou Kapelka said he was happy to get out of his room. Kapelka reminisced about growing up around tractors in Baraboo, Wis.

“We had 70 acres under plow and then we had 80 acres of alfalfa.” Kapelka said. “My dad taught me how to drive a stickshift on the tractor before I ever learned to drive a car.”

Vance Jones of the Northwoods Antique Tractor Club said while the club meets in Aurora, Wis., tractor owner from throughout the region came to be a part of the parade — Pembine, Wis.; Iron River; even as far away as Watersmeet.

VETERAN JOHN MODDIE enjoyed the Northwoods Antique Tractor Club tractors but was especially fond of the Model A Ford. The club had its annual ride Wednesday from East Kingsford to the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)

Most of the members of the tractor club are veterans themselves, Jones noted, adding he is not sure who gets the most out of the event, the club members or the veterans.

Jones said the club formed sometime in the early 1990s and he has been a member since he retired and bought a tractor in 2006. Their numbers are shrinking somewhat because most members are older, and with less farming not as many young people are into tractors.

Anyone interested in the Northwoods Antique Tractor Club or in participating in next year’s ride can contact Jones at 906-542-6955.

CALEB ERICKSON, the youngest member of the Northwoods Antique Tractor Club, led the ride Wednesday from East Kingsford to the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)