Tractor ride to benefit Cures for Colors
By Brandon Davis
Published in News on September 18, 2016 12:19 AM
The second annual Eastern Carolina Tractor Ride takes off at the M.F. McCullen Jr. Farm Saturday, Sept. 24, at 2616 N.C. 55 East between Seven Springs and Mount Olive.
All of the proceeds from the event go to Cures for the Colors, an organization that provides cancer patients with financial assistance during treatment or recovery to any cancer patient in eastern North Carolina.
Drivers need to line up at 9 a.m., with their own tractor, and have a trailer ready for passengers to head out at 10 a.m.
Tractors costs $50 to drive, while riders pay $25 to cruise the 15-mile trek -- directed by local law enforcement and firemen at intersections, along with signs throughout the trail -- around Wayne County and parts of Duplin County's land and farms.
But everyone starts at M.F. McCullen Jr.'s farm.
He took over the family farm in 1971 after the McCullens moved from Dobbersville to Seven Springs, but he hoped to have a tractor ride in his backyard someday.
His wife, Faye, said no.
But when their youngest son, Chad McCullen, was diagnosed with colon cancer four years ago at age 39, the elder McCullen began thinking of a reason to host a tractor ride event.
He needed a strong argument.
His son visited several treatment facilities, but Southeastern Medical Oncology Center in Goldsboro, where Cures for the Colors was founded, gave his father an idea.
"Daddy decided that that would be a good excuse for him to have a tractor ride and a good cause," said Deanna McCullen, the event's organizer and the McCullens' daughter.
"So he started thinking about it and decided he wanted to have a tractor ride, and all of the money would go to Cures for the Colors," she said.
Her brother is now cancer-free, but the tractor ride still cropped up last year for other cancer patients.
Local businesses and clubs joined to help the event kick off with 33 tractors and 300 people. Ms. McCullen said the event raised $17,000 even though it rained.
Those who don't own a tractor can walk through the four rustic, vintage sign-covered buildings, which line McCullens' property near woods.
His family built the first building, but it now houses his 20-year-old miniature John Deere tractor collection. McCullen said children will enjoy staring at the green and yellow walls holding thousands of green and yellow tractors on shelves.
He renovated the second building from an old school house, which now holds seed and feed inside but presents an antique Shell station sign outside. A Phillips 66 sign grabs people's attention to lead them to the third building, where a 1920's refrigerator sits next to a retro Coca-Cola machine that holds bottles in cold water. The final building is an old tobacco barn, but the outside shows off classic signs, covering every inch of the building.
After people explore the countryside and tour the antique-filled buildings, volunteers will serve lunch at 11:30 a.m., and an auction will follow lunch. The McCullens, along with volunteers, will prepare eight pigs and ten turkeys to be barbecued.
Ms. McCullen looks forward to the food, the tours and the tractor ride, but she also wants to see the event contribute to a great cause.