Community betterment goal of annual PATOOT event

Peterson's Annual Trip On Old Tractors, known as PATOOT, is marking its sixth annual occurrence later this month. The annual ride, which draws tractors and farm implement enthusiasts of all ages to the northwest Iowa town, as well as its neighboring byways, has also become a time in which residents can reconnect with friends from the past.

"Peterson's Annual Trip On Old Tractors was one of the first tractor rides in the area, so we like to think of it as 'a tractor ride before tractor rides were cool,'" said Laura Sangwin, a member of the Peterson Commercial Club.

Following five- and 10-kilometer runs scheduled to start at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 28 on Main Street and course throughout Peterson, this summer's PATOOT ride will begin at 9:30 a.m. and run through noon.

The route, which is scheduled to depart from Peterson at 9:30 a.m., averages approximately 25 miles and changes every year. The ride will traverse scenic highways in Clay and Buena Vista counties, as well as incorporate taking sites along the Little Sioux River valley this year, with a scheduled rest stop at Gabrielson Park, south of Sioux Rapids on U.S. Highway 71.

"Aside from the route changes every year, people like the fact that PATOOT is a short morning tractor ride followed by an excellent meal," Sangwin said.

Wagon rides covering the whole route will also be available for a nominal fee.

This year's PATOOT will mark the second annual state-sanctioned pull for children. Sponsored by the Peterson Commercial Club, the pull is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on June 28.

"Last year was the first time we had Kid Power Pedal Tractor Pull in town, and they will be back this year," Sangwin confirmed. "Children can once again compete in different age groups in the state-sanctioned pull and have a great time. After they finished (last year), it was time for the 'big kids' to partake -- and everyone teamed up to pull against each other."

The PATOOT ride was initiated in 2003 as a way to raise money for Peterson's sesquicentennial celebration held in August 2006. Since Peterson's 150th birthday party, proceeds raised during PATOOT have been "banked" until another specific community project is decided on.

"PATOOT helps bring people to Peterson, and once they see our beautiful town we hope they will return -- either for the ride next year, to visit one of the many museums or history barns the town has or simply that they come back to canoe or raft down the Little Sioux River," Sangwin said.

* PATOOT's $25 registration fee includes the tractor ride, a T-shirt, a magnet and a noon meal, slated to be served from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. in Peterson's Community Legion Hall.

Those who sign up to participate in the third annual PATOOT five- and 10-kilometer fun runs by June 18 are guaranteed to receive a limited edition T-shirt. Children 12 and under are also encouraged to enter a "mini marathon" planned for June 28. Questions on the runs may be directed to Chris Smith at (712) 295-6053. Online entry forms are available at: www2.sioux-central.k12.ia.us/dept/teachers/csmith/xc/patoot.htm.