Antique Tractor Mackinac Bridge Crossing

Updated March 23, 2008

FAQ: Questions and Answers:

One thing I want to be perfectly clear about is that we do not have all the answers at this time.  This is the first time the Mackinac Bridge Authority has even allowed such an event.  So, bear with me.  As the event gets closer you will see more Q&A listed.  I will do my best to make this event run as smooth as possible for everyone.

  The tractors will be parked at the Kewadin Casino which is 5 miles East of St. Ignace, Michigan.  They have offered the parking of your tractors, trucks and even campers for the entire weekend free of charge.  The truck and antique tractor show run through the weekend from Friday thru Sunday.

I have put together some question and answer section for you.

1. How do I get back to my truck in Mackinaw City?  The Kewadin Casino has offered their bus to take you back across if you need to. At this time you can park your rig at the Casino at no charge for the entire weekend or longer if you wish.  They are not putting any time limit how long you can stay.  That means you can leave anytime during the weekend but we would like you to leave your tractor for the entire weekend but if you can't then that's alright.  The shuttle service will also bring people to and from St. Ignace and back to the Casino for the Antique Tractor Viewing.
2. Where can I camp.  You can park your camper at the Kewadin Casino along with the tractors on display.  Camper hookups are NOT available so you camper will have to be self sufficient.  There are also camp grounds that have full hook up and a campground for primitive camping nearby.
3. Do I have to go park at the Casino? No, the only thing you will be required to do after crossing the bridge is parade through downtown St. Ignace. After that your on your own or you can continue on the  Casino parking area to show off your tractors.  There will be plenty of parking.
4. What about Hotel and Motel accommodations.  Start calling now for your reservations, I hear some hotels are already full.  We will only assist you in where to go and will not get involved with reservations of any kind.  Some places may offer discounts to us and we will let you know which ones do.  Mackinaw City is sending your club a booklet for all the members of your club.  Also check out the main page here and you will see their web site's listed.
5. Security for your tractors while on display at the Casino.  At this time it sounds like your tractors will be well protected but as we all know things do happen and neither the sponsor or the Casino are responsible for any damage or stolen property.  
6. Truck Show Information:  We are not responsible for the truck show, however we will assist you in getting your truck in the truck bridge crossing Saturday night if you need it.  Your truck needs to have lot's and lot's of light's and noisy horns.  The louder the better. I believe they said the trucks will also start in Mackinaw City and cross the bridge and parade through St. Ignace. Nostalgie Productions Featuring 2008 St. Ignace Shows Schedule. 
7. Parking and unloading area:  We have successfully negotiated a farm field of 40 acres and are working on another 20 just west of I-75.  It's up to you if you want to leave your trailer there for the weekend.  I'm sure it will be much easier than parking your trailer on the St. Ignace side.  We are working on more parking on the St. Ignace side.   A map of the city pointing out your assigned club parking and loading area will be distributed to your main club contact person.  If your club has alternate plans such as a friends property or other arrangements then that is fine too but you will be responsible getting in and out of town.  It's best if clubs use the designated area's so police and other assistance groups can keep everything in line.  More information will come as the event gets closer.  We will also map out the route and order that clubs will go in.

As more information comes in we will keep you informed. 

Who gets to be the first person and club cross the Mighty Mac Bridge?

Folks believe me I have had a hundred volunteers for this one already.  To be fair, what we are going to do is have a lottery drawing of a individual person.   What I mean is you will all get a chance to put your name in the hat not your club's name but you as an individual.  There will be an official drawing of the individual who will be the first to lead the rest of us across the Mackinac Bridge.  This will be both an honor and a privilege so do your club right and have a great running tractor. The winning individual will then be able to pick his favorite club to follow right behind him.  If he belongs to two clubs then he can pick who he wants to be right behind him and then his second choice will follow his first choice.  A drawing date has not been set but I believe it will be as close to the event as possible.  One thought is that it be drawn at the Mid Michigan Old Gas Tractor Association Show in the third week of August, 2008.  That may be what we do.  Stay tuned.  Entry forms will come later.  Will it be a John Deere, Farmall, International, Case, Minneapolis Moline, Oliver, Ford, Revilo, Massey Ferguson, Allis Chalmers, Gibson, Brockway, Avery, Allgaier-Porsche, Love, Farmaster, Empire, Eagle, Corbitt, Cockshut, Co-Op, Bolinder-Munktell or SILVERKING. One only knows but you can be sure it will be an exciting time for the winner and their club.  I believe they call it bragging rights but what do I know about tractors enthusiasts.

Thanks again and we hope to see you there.

Bob Baumgras

Pres., Owosso Tractor Parts & Equipment
6990 W. M21
Owosso, Michigan 48867
1-888-530-4554 Toll Free
1-989-729-6567 Local
1-989-729-9218 Fax