By CINDY LADAGE
Illinois Correspondent

MT. AUBURN, Ill. — The Ansar Ag Corp of the Ansar Shriners is hosting its third annual tractor drive June 27. Tractors will take to the road to raise funds for the Shriners Hospital for Children.
According to the website www.shrinershq.org the Shriners Hospitals for Children is a health care system of 22 hospitals “dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs. Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment with no financial obligation to patients or families.”

For a $50 donation drivers may participate in this event. Although an International Harvester fan himself, Calvin Elder said, “You don’t have to be a Shriner to participate, and all tractor models are welcome.”

Owner’s proof of insurance is required to participate. The drive will depart at 9:30 a.m. from Calvin Elder’s home in rural Mt. Auburn.  Elder said his house is five miles East of Mt. Auburn, or four miles west of Lincoln Trails Park on County Highway 2.

Drivers should be prepared to drive approximately 25 miles round-trip. The drive will incorporate several stops along the way. One of the highlights of the drive will be a stop at famed miniature tractor modeler and Case collector Marvin Copenbarger.

At the Copenbarger farm, drivers will see an extensive collection of Case tractors and his handcrafted miniature tractors. Lunch will be served following the drive and families are invited to join the drivers, where the drive began, at Calvin Elders Mt. Auburn farm.
Who are the Ag Corps? They are a Parade Unit of the Ansar Shrine. Their antique tractors have been in many local parades.

For further information Contact Calvin Elder at 217-454-5782, Rodney Franklin at 217-520-7416 or Dave Reynolds at 217-527-1740.