Photo by Jessica Stewart / St. Joseph News-Press / Purchase this photo

Gene Ruoff, of Savannah, Mo. rides his Case 870 tractor Saturday morning into Helena, Mo. Mr. Ruoff, along with more than 250 others, participated in the Show-Me Tractor Cruise.

If you were out driving around town Saturday afternoon, or happened to stop by The Shoppes at North Village, you may have noticed a long trail of tractors on the road.

However, instead of trying to pass these guys, you probably should have just smiled and waved — or given them a little cash.

For the seventh year, The Show-Me-Tractor Cruise took place Saturday to raise awareness and increase funds for Camp Quality. Beginning in Savannah, Mo., in the morning, a trail of 270 tractors passed through Helena, then made a stop for lunch at St. Joseph’s Word of Life Church along Riverside Road. They drove to the Shoppes at North Village before heading back to Savannah for dinner.

Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.

Tom Brand, director of the camp and an organizer of the cruise, said drivers came from Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. “We’ve had as many as nine states before,” he said.

His wife, Beth, said 309 tractors were registered, but some did not show up because the farmers needed to take advantage of the weather and work in the fields. She was still pleased with the turnout and was impressed by the number of people who came to watch and support the cruise.

“It is amazing, just the people that come up to our drivers and give them checks, give them cash ... it’s really awesome to see,” Mrs. Brand said. “He (Mr. Brand) said he had never seen so many people on the side of the road with signs ... that is just so encouraging for our drivers.”

Mr. Brand was impressed with the number of drivers and how the hot weather didn’t seem to faze them on the long route. “This may be the hottest day we’ve driven in seven years,” he said.

Lori Wilson came to Word of Life Church’s parking lot with her family to greet her husband as he drove his tractor in for the noon break. This was his first year participating. “It’s wonderful that there’s so many people involved in this,” she said.

Jim Middleton has participated in the cruise for five or six years. “It’s a good thing to do, and to see all these other guys out here doing the same thing,” he said.

Mr. Brand said cruise organizers did not set a monetary goal this year. But drivers were encouraged to donate $100, and donations from people watching were accepted as well.

“This is just a small way we can help a special group of kids,” he said.