By JANE HOUIN
Ohio Correspondent

ST. MARYS, Ohio — The Whitney Educational Farm and Museum will be among the featured stops on the inaugural Buckeye Tractors Cruise. Hosted by ABN Radio of Columbus, Ohio, the cruise will give farmers and tractor enthusiasts an opportunity to dust off their antique and classic tractors and benefit children in the process.

The event will take place in Auglaize and Mercer counties in Ohio on July 26. Proceeds from the cruise benefit Camp Quality, an Akron-based organization that serves children diagnosed with terminal cancer and provides a support system for their families.

The cruise will depart the Mercer County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m. and continue to the Whitney Educational Farm north of St. Marys for lunch. At the farm, drivers will tour the Whitney antique tractor museum and watch an antique plowing demonstration. The museum houses farm equipment, restored to mint condition, from as far back as 1905.

 It will be a special opportunity for a first look at the farm, as it will not actually be hosting its grand opening until the following day. Each piece housed in the museum has a special significance, whether it was used on the Whitneys’ family farm or on the farm of one of their family members or friends.

Whitney Educational Farm was created as a result of David Whitney’s background in farming and his desire to be able to show children and people of all ages where the food and other items on grocery shelves come from. In addition to their museum pieces, there is a children’s barnyard where farm animals are housed and visitors may learn fun facts.

Crop plots are for children to actually see crops in the field and learn how they are being used today, from feeds to biofuel. There is also a playground for children.

Nature trail and picnic areas are also in the family’s woods, where visitors can take a nature walk and learn about the variety of trees in the area. More information about the farm can be found at www.whitneypainting.com/educational
On the same day, the farm will also be hosting an Antique Tractor and Plow Day as well as a Field Day, being put on by Lefeld Implements of Coldwater, Ohio.

The field day will feature some of the newest machinery available on the market. Visitors will have a chance to compare the old and the new as they tour the historical agricultural museum.

The tour concludes in Mercer County where drivers can participate in the annual Celina Lake Festival Parade. Registration is $30 and each driver is asked to raise an additional $100 in monetary support for Camp Quality.

The Show-Me Tractor Cruise, on which this inaugural event in based, raises more than $40,000 a year for its local camp. The nearly 40-mile tour will parade drivers of antique and classic tractors around the scenic area near Grand Lake St. Marys and through the countryside.

Camp Quality goes beyond providing an exciting weeklong camping experience designed specifically for young cancer patients. Each camper and their family is assigned a “companion.” This special individual works with the family throughout the entire year, ultimately serving as a source of support during these difficult times.

The goal of Camp Quality is to provide these children the opportunity to experience new and exciting activities in a medically safe environment. Children have the opportunity to make new friends and create fun memories that will sustain them in the weeks and months to come as they continue their medical treatment.
Camp Quality is a volunteer, nonprofit organization and there is never a cost to its campers or families. It is completely dependent on the generosity of individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations.

Founded and established in 1983 in Sydney, Australia, there are now more than 55 locations worldwide in 19 countries. Fifteen of those camps are in the United States in 11 states, including Ohio.
The costs associated with running these camps is obviously daunting. But the goal of the Greta Buckeye Tractor Cruise is to help meet those needs and add a few smiles to the lives of young patients and their families.

Individuals and businesses can support the event with monetary donations, or sponsorship of meals, breaks and other cruise needs.
Those interested in participating can sign up as a driver, volunteer or contributor online at www .BuckeyeTractorCruise.com or contact ABN Event Coordinator Robyn Callicoat at 937-408-0684.