By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

CELINA, Ohio — The rural roads in Mercer County in west central Ohio are normally as serene at any time of year. But late next month a long caravan of tractors will pierce the quiet summer air for a good cause; that’s when the second annual Great Buckeye Tractor Cruise will take place.

The event, which will be held July 25 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Mercer County Fairgrounds, features antique and classic tractors with the sole purpose to raise money for Camp Quality in Ohio. Camp Quality is a weeklong camping experience and year-round support system for children with cancer and their families. Last year 40 drivers (farmers and a few non-farmers) participated.

Event coordinator Lindsay Hill is hoping to triple the participation this year. “For a child whose life is threatened by this terrible disease, a lifetime takes on a new meaning,” Hill said. “We cannot control the quantity of life which is given, but we can all do something about the quality of which we are given and can give.”
According to point contact person Lyndsey Murphy, more than $5,000 was raised last year in Ohio. The goal is $20,000 this season.

“We had tractor drivers and volunteers from all over Ohio, not just Mercer County,” Murphy said. “Some drove their tractors four hours just to get here.”

The first tractor cruise was the Missouri Show-Me Tractor Cruise, held in 1986. Camp Quality was formed in 1983 in Sydney, Australia.

“It’s quite a show and it’s good to see all the older fellows getting their tractors out for a good cause,” Murphy said. “The registration for the cruise is $30, with the fee that includes a T-shirt, meals and snacks for each driver. This year we’re challenging each driver to collect at least $100 in donations.”

Drivers and their vehicles will cover 40 miles on the day, with a lunch stop at the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein in rural Mercer County. Riders will then return to Celina to participate in the Lake Festival Parade, which begins at 6 p.m.

Camp Quality is located in Akron, Ohio. It provides a weeklong camping experience for young cancer patients. Activities include basketball, board games, dances, crafts, canoeing, campfires, golf, karaoke, laser tag, rappelling, swimming and much more. A “companion” is assigned to each camper and their family.

“That companion works with the family throughout the year, ultimately serving as a source of support during the difficult times,” Hill said.

There are now 15 such camps in 11 states. There are 900 children with cancer who benefit from this effort and another 2,000 volunteers involved.

To register for this event or for more information, contact Lindsay Hill at 614-206-7286.