Please read all rules below before submitting this form.
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: Trailer 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
1-888-530-4554 Toll Free
1-989-729-6567 Local
1-989-729-9218 Fax