Gas and Steam Members Cross Mackinac Bridge
Published: Friday, September 18, 2026
"Not many people can say they've crossed the Mackinac Bridge on a tractor," said David Dressler of the Noble County Gas and Steam Assn.
But he can. The milestone even occurred last weekend as 10 members of the antique tractor club revved up their engines and led a parade of tractor enthusiasts into Mackinaw City after crossing the famous, 26,372-foot bridge.
Dressler said the parade and tractor show bring to light the "old iron" that used to plow the fields and put food on the table for so many Americans.
"It brings awareness to agriculture," he said.
Legacy, community, breathtaking views and the thrill of the adventure brought Dressler and nine other members of their club to the 18th annual Mackinac Bridge Crossing and tractor drive.
"Every person here has something in common," Dressler said, referring to his fellow tractor aficionados.
Dressler brought a 1952 Ford 8N along with his father, Kevin, and brother, Tony. Their tractor is one Kevin purchased at the age of 12. Kevin also took another legacy tractor with him, which was owned by his father.
Members of the Noble County Gas and Steam Assn. entered their group into a lottery system to determine their place in line in the parade over the Mackinac. Crossing the bridge were Kyle and Earl Thompson, Nick and Tony Gairte, Allen and David Perlich, Phil and John Reidenbach, and the Dresslers. In all, 10 tractors were included in their group's parade section.
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