Tractor parade draws twenty-plus entries

A Royal tradition drew participants from across Nebraska to the Antelope County village over the weekend.

The annual Royal Tractor Parade, held July 17, included a lineup of vintage tractors, with a few modern pieces mixed in.

Organizer Gary Ober, of Royal, said the event has been a mainstay for at least 10 years. The idea took root after Ober took part in a ride at Yankton, South Dakota.

"We took part in the Tri-State Old Iron two-day ride. I just got the idea I ought to do that here," Ober said.

Since then, the parade has become part of the yearly Royal community celebration, held the third weekend of July.

Approximately 22 tractors traveled along this year's route, encompassing 56 miles, and passed landmarks, including Grimton Cemetery, Oak View Park, St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Grove Lake.

The route changes annually.

Ron Musick, of Rock Falls, Illinois, said he can "cross an item off my bucket list" after riding the route.

The Plainview native said, "It'll be a new experience."

Musick drove a Farmall B tractor, purchased by his grandfather in the 1940s.

"He bought it new and Dad inherited it. It's been in the family ever since."

Musick is a cousin to Ober,

who now owns the piece of

equipment.

Musick admits the opportunity to drive a tractor that is part of his ancestry made the decision to participate an easy one. As engines revved and tractors entered Highway 20, before turning north on 513 Avenue, Ober said the ride is a way to bring people to Royal.

"We're a small town. We've got stuff to offer, but we're not a big city. Anything we can keep alive (in Royal), we're doing it," he said.