WGN-AM's Max Armstrong Wins Awards

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: Heritage Tractor Adventure: : Tractors chug back to the farm : Adventure wraps up with lunch, awards : : CHANNAHON - Amid laughter, lunch, jokes, and fun awards, the 2008 Heritage Tractor Adventure ended Wednesday at Dollinger Family Farm. : For one, the team of Roger Weber and Julian Houston of Morris won tiny golden tractor trophies for coming out on top in the blind obstacle course. : Superintendent Dan Bell of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, Morris, received a plaque for his work in putting the HTA together. Chuck Johnson and Jill Jackson won the outstanding volunteer awards. : Ron Hibler was feted as the HTA volunteer and driver. : The award to Chicago WGN Farm Radio personality Max Armstrong brought down the house. : Nearly 300 vintage tractor drivers and other guests cheered as Armstrong was gifted with a can of engine starter fluid, a hilarious reminder of his tractor stalling out Wednesday as he led the pack of iron workhorses to Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area on East Pine Bluff Road. : Many other prizes were awarded, including gift cards good for five gallons of gasoline for out-of-state drivers, and spray paint for the tractors that appeared as though they just came out of the field. : A couple of lamps were also awarded, as were some folding lawn chairs. : In a more serious vein, Armstrong received a second award - a plaque for organizing the 2004 HTA as a fundraiser for victims of the tornado that swept through Utica in La Salle County on April 20, 2004, killing eight people and devastating parts of the downtown. : "We present Max this token of our appreciation for using tractors to raise funds to help people," said Russ Tjarks, Sibley, who made the presentation. : "This means a lot to me," said Armstrong, who has led all seven of the HTA rides. : There were 256 vintage tractors signed up for the three-day run and the parade last Sunday on North Liberty Street in Morris. : Coordinator Mary Beth DeGrush, of the Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Center, which sponsors the annual event, said plans are already in the offing for the 2009 HTA. : "It's one of the best things I've ever done in my life," Houston said of this year's ride. : He especially enjoyed the camaraderie amongst the drivers. : "It's a lot of old guys on old tractors, and we have a ball talking about the tractors, talking about where they come from, talking about our families. It's good. It's one of those few things that's left that's good, clean and wholesome," he said of the HTA. : Fennimore, Wis., tractor aficionado and young mother Christina Winch brought her three youngsters along for the ride. A volunteer with the HTA, Christina shepherded her sons, Matthew, 16 months; Wesley, 2 1/2' and Randy, 5, through the various activities and events during the three-day run. : "It's challenging," she said, "but the boys love it." : Her uncle and brother-in-law drove one of the vintage machines in the run. She followed Armstrong's lead group of 50 tractors, riding in a golf cart and watching for possible problems. : "We've been doing this for three years, now," she said. "I grew up with restoring old tractors and stuff, and we just love doing it. We'll teach all three of our sons to do it." : Paul Viller of Huntley, Ill., labeled the ride a fantastic experience. : "Everything about it has been good," he said. "It's a very nice area here." : Illinois National Guard Specialist Sara Curo of Manteno welcomed the HTA. : "It's good to see the old tractors again," she said. "I come from a farm family." : : (Herald)

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