Owosso Tractor Parts Mackinac Bridge Crossing
Set for Friday, September 12, 2008, 3:00pm

Updated January 17, 2008

Requirements for the Antique Tractor Bridge Crossing September 12, 2008 3:00pm

As we all know putting on such an event takes co-operation from everyone involved.  The Mackinac Bridge Authority has to be commended and thanked for letting us cross the Mighty Mac in what is certain to be a great event for all those involved.  No one likes rules but in any event there has to be at least a few.   

Clarification:   Club Registration is Required for this event.
At this time Owosso Tractor Parts & Equipment Antique Tractor Bridge Crossing Parade is being held for Tractor Club Members Only. Your club must be registered for the event, for you, an individual to be in it.  Those clubs must also have in their possession at the time of the event proof of  Current Liability Insurance for Events and/or Parade involvement.  Individuals may want to contact their local clubs so they can join the Owosso Tractor Parts & Equipment Antique Tractor Bridge Crossing.  Owosso Tractor Parts & Equipment will be the sponsor of this event and will provide you with up to date information on this web site.  We do not have a mass e-mail set up yet but will be working on one in case you want to know if new information has been added.   The cost of insurance to any single individual or company would be enormous in such an event.  I think you will find it much cheaper to join a club than to buy your own insurance.  So now is a good time to join a club and see what it's all about.  You probably have been wanting an excuse to join anyway so why not now.  If you do not know of a club in your area just contact me and I will be glad to assist you.  bobscorner@owossotractorparts.com  

Bridge Crossing Club Registration Form

Rules and Regulations

For Questions: E-mail bobscorner@owossotractorparts.com

As of today, January 14, 2008 some rules have been modified. Please read carefully.

 Your tractor must be able to maintain a speed of 10 MPH. This rule may change but at this time this is the required tractor speed. 

  1. There will be a Zero Tolerance for alcohol before, during or after the bridge crossing through St. Ignace.  Wait until your tractor is parked at the Casino to celebrate. Don't drink and ride and don't drink and drive.  No alcohol of any kind will be tolerated.
  2. Tractors built prior to 1962 are the only tractors allowed in the parade across the bridge.  
  3. UPDATED: No one under 18 years of age will be allowed to drive a tractor across the bridge. Being Reviewed. 
 
4. Tractor with Pneumatic tires only.  Sorry no steel wheels or spades, spikes, grouser pads, crawler tracks. Also, no steel wheel tractors with solid rubber pads or solid tread.    No spike wheels either. You already knew that I hope. Read further, you can still cross but it will have to be on a trailer in the parade.
  5. Trucks can be in the parade if you decide to haul your load across instead of driving.  This is meant for people who want to show off their crawlers or tractors with steel wheels but won't or can't for obvious reasons. No empty trucks in the parade.  You can be in the Truck Crossing Saturday night but you will have to get in touch with those working on the truck light show.  We have nothing to do with the truck light show.
  6. Slow moving vehicle signs will not be required as long as you are in the parade.
   7. Weather issues were addressed and it was decided that the parade will go on rain or shine so watch the weather before you leave.  The only thing that would stop the parade is high winds in excess of 35 mph.  If the winds are over 35 MPH the show will be called off and there will NOT be another time to cross. There is a possibility, though remote as it may seem, that we may not be able to cross at all and you need to be aware of this now.  Remember safety first. 
    8. Flags OK but they must be put in line with your tractor, not side by side.  We do not want them to obstruct the view of the road ahead of you and others behind you. 
   9. UPDATED: People movers: No.  Tractors allowed to drive on the bridge will not be allowed to tow wagons or trailers with people on them. during this event.
  10. UPDATED: Extra rider on a tractor with an extra seat: No. 
Only the drive may ride on the tractor.
 11. UPDATED: Trai
ler Signs towed behind a tractor OK at this time, just no people on the trailer or wagon being towed. Tractors allowed to drive on the bridge will have rubber tires and will not be allowed to tow wagons or trailers with people on them. during this event.
 12. Tractor signs about your club or your particular tractor are fine as long as they are bolted to your tractor and do not obstruct the view of yourself or other drivers.  This will be strictly enforced because of safety. 
  13.  Floats will not be allowed.
  14.  Implements on tractors: NO DECISION AS OF YET. Implements on a trailer being hauled by your truck are fine.

It wouldn't hurt if a couple of people in each club brought along a dry type fire extinguisher.  Just to be safe.  Don't forget a tow strap or two as well.
  
We sincerely apologize for the changes but they are coming from the Mackinac Bridge Authority. No more major changes are expected.  

Letter from the Mackinac Bridge Authority. January 8, 2008.

The "Antique Tractor Parade" is approved for Friday, September 12, 2008 based on your acceptance of the conditions and rules as required by the Mackinac Bridge Authority.  This parade will be escorted northbound by the Mackinac Bridge Authority.  Tractors allowed to drive on the bridge will have rubber tires and will not be allowed to tow wagons or trailers with people on them. Only the driver may ride on the tractor.  The Mackinac Bridge Authority may inspect these vehicles and reserves the right to not allow certain vehicles to cross the bridge.  The Mackinac Bridge Authority will not allow any vehicles that may cause damage to the bridge or that may be hazardous to operate.

end.

We honestly don't want a ton of rules but there has to be some.  The idea is to go and have fun and make a lot of memories for your family to share for years to come and we are doing our utmost to ensure the safety of you, your family members, your club members and others.

Thank you for your support and don't forget to fill out the club participation form.

Bob Baumgras
Owosso Tractor Parts
www.owossotractorparts.com
www.bobstractorpartscorner.com

 Owosso Tractor Parts & Equipment
6990 W. M21
Owosso, MI 48867

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