The Guinness world's record for a parade of classic tractors is now 964 tractors/drivers thanks to a determined group of tractor owners at the Nebraska State Fair. The parade took place around the Fonner Park Racetrack after a morning thunderstorm as part of the opening weekend of events at the fair organized and sponsored by RFD-TV/RURAL TV.
In order to qualify, each tractor provided the VIN/Serial number and was at least 30 years old. Over 1,000 tractors/drivers participated in RFD-TV and RURAL TV's parade. A representative from Guinness certified that 964 classic tractors met all of the requirements and drove continuously around the track for a minimum of two miles. The previous record was 745 held by Elbach, Germany.
"I have never felt more pride in the history of RFD-TV," said Patrick Gottsch, Founder & President of Rural Media Group, Inc. "The perseverance by our staff and these tractor enthusiasts through the mud was a sight to behold in itself, as they were not going to be denied the chance to break the Guinness record. Seeing over 1,000 classic tractors moving at one time was a real crowd pleaser."
A capacity grandstand was filled with over 10,000 viewers in-and-around the Fonner Park track who witnessed this unprecedented display of machinery of the past. At least 31 states were represented, with 730 entries coming from Nebraska and the rest traveling great distances including some entries coming from as far away as New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Michigan, and Arizona.
With additional storm clouds gathering above Grand Island, NE, the rescheduling of the parade was put to a voice vote at an 11am driver meeting. It was unanimously decided that the parade was to continue as scheduled at 1pm when every driver threw their hand in the air and shouted "Today!"
The parade was broadcast "live" on RFD-TV and RURAL TV hosted by veteran farm broadcaster and tractor enthusiast Max Armstrong, along with KRVN's Joe Greenwich.
