Annual Tractor Ride to Benefit North Carolina’s Frail Aging
The 10th annual Tractor Ride will take place June 30 at Denton FarmPark in Denton, North Carolina. Proceeds from
the Tractor Ride, which kicks off the 51st annual Southeast Old Threshers’ Reunion, are traditionally donated to a local
non-profit. This year’s recipient is North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry (NCBAM). The group will use 100% of the funds
to complete safety projects for frail older adults in need.
Dr. Sandy Gregory, director
of NCBAM, explains, “We are thrilled to be chosen as the recipient of the fundraiser this year. Lumber costs have skyrocketed
and this will help us get many more wheelchair ramps built for frail seniors in need. We have clients who haven’t left
their homes in months and sometimes years, simply because of no safe way to traverse the steps of their homes.”
Gates open on June 30 at 7:30 am for registration. The Tractor Ride begins at 9:00 with a short opening ceremony
introducing the selected non-profit. A parade of tractors (and a tram) then pull out for a 19-mile tour of the Denton countryside.
A highlight is parading through the Mountain Vista Health Park where residents of the skilled nursing facility are brought
outside to wave at the drivers and riders. The parade then pauses at the First Baptist Church of Denton for a BBQ lunch served
by volunteers before heading back to the FarmPark.
Participating in the Tractor Ride costs
$25 per person ($35 Tram) and includes lunch, t-shirt, and a goody bag of SWAG and other treats from local supporters—along
with the satisfaction of improving the lives of older adults across North Carolina!
NCBAM
will also receive the proceeds from the Live Auction held July 1 at 6:00pm. The auction will feature a handcrafted Noah’s
Ark with animals, a vacation time share, local pottery, tickets to local attractions, and an Anel Complete Insulated Beehive
kit.
Loflin Fabrication and Shoe Show serve as event sponsors. Many other local businesses
and state agencies have also provided sponsorships to increase the success of the annual fundraiser benefitting seniors in
need.
This year’s Tractor Ride will be held in memory of Randy Chappell who passed
away in 2020 after cooking BBQ for the Ride for five years. Remembering his contributions is important to Tim Loflin and others
at the family-run FarmPark. “Randy donated his services as Pitmaster for many years and we’re going to miss him
very much.”
To pledge your support, or learn more about the Tractor Ride, contact
Denton FarmPark at 336.859.2755. To learn more about North Carolina Baptist Aging Ministry, call 877.506.2226.