The July 4th parade isn’t the only place to see cool tractors.

Every other year since 2004, the Cascade Two-Cylinder Club has sponsored an Antique Two-Cylinder John Deere Tractor Tour of Lopez Island. On Saturday, July 19, starting around 10:30 a.m., a long line of tractors from off-island plus a slew of local beauties can be seen caravanning through our roads.

In 2006, 25 antique John Deeres drove off the ferry for the event, joined by three Lopez farmers on their shiny green tractors. John Deere “antiques” are between 50 and 60 years old. Several tractors are arriving from out of state, and they are awarding a prize for who comes from farthest away. Jim Smith, who brought the Two-Cylinder Club to Lopez and hosts them each year, says they are opening it up this time to other local, colored tractors that are classified as antique.

The Cascade Two-Cylinder Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of John Deere two-cylinder agricultural machinery in the northwestern part of Washington State.

“The Two-Cylinder Club has a number of tours during the course of the summer, and they put out routes in Skagit County. They also have different shows and they have ‘plow days’ where they plow someone’s 100-acre field. It’s what they do for activities. Most of the members are farmers or retired farmers. So this is a great spot for them and their families to come out,” said Smith.

Smith and his fellow tractor aficionados Bob Burt and Ken Rose help make the trip memorable for club members. “It’s a family day,” says Smith, who provides a trailer stacked with hay for friends and family of the tractor owners to ride on. The men and their families also put together a luncheon and a supper for all those involved.

“Many of the members own upwards of 30 tractors, so it’s an important hobby for them. And their hobby has to do with the collection and restoration of tractors,” commented Smith.

He encourages islanders to watch as they tour the island; see the map for routes. Smith says a great time to check out the tractors is when they drive off the ferry, which will be around 9:50 a.m.

“We keep getting asked again and again if we’re going to do it this year. I guess it’s pretty fun for people (to watch).” From noon to 2 p.m., the tractors will be on display for the public while club members and their guests enjoy a luncheon on the Lopez Center lawn.

If you would like to participate in the tractor parade, please call Bob Burt at 468-2668, Ken Rose at 468-4830, or Jim Smith at 468-3243.