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Hot Dogs, horsepower and heart greet Tractorcade in Wayland
The Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade shared generous donations with local 4-H group at the Wayland pit stop
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WAYLAND — The tractors didn’t just bring horsepower to Wayland — they brought generosity.
When over 300 drivers rolled into the WACO High School parking lot Monday, June 9 afternoon for a pit stop on the Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, they were greeted not just with fuel for their machines, but with hot dogs, homemade desserts, and a warm community welcome. What started as a pause in a multicounty ride quickly turned into a celebration of small-town generosity, family effort, and rural pride.
“It was a great day handing out hot dogs, meeting new people, catching up with friends, and talking auction,” said Lydia Lamp, who helped host the event with her father, Russell Lamp, on behalf of Merit Auction. “As Dad says, ‘You can never have too many hot dogs!’”
Before the tractors rolled in, the grills were already hot.
By 1 p.m. on Monday, the parking lot at WACO High School was a bustle of folding tables, steam engine displays, and cheerful volunteers in matching shirts. The KXEL Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade’s afternoon pit stop was more than a place to rest — it was a slice of Southeast Iowa hospitality in full force.
The Lamp family — longtime supporters of the tractorcade — worked under the Merit Auction banner to make the stop in Wayland feel like a homecoming. Along with other Merit personnel, they handed out more than 160 hot dogs and drinks, showcased a five-eighths scale steam engine, and drew a crowd with the unmistakable sound of a Calliope.
Russell Lamp’s love for people and this event was readily evident as he refused to stay behind the table in the shade. He made sure every hot dog found a hungry stomach to fill as he weaved through tractors in the high school parking lot and handed out the aluminum wrapped treat.
“It was fun to see a lot of people I hadn’t seen in a while,” said Russell Lamp, who used to ride in the tractorcade, but instead served with Merit Auctions this year. “We always try to be good to people like that when they’ve got something out there — come out and say hello and visit with the kids or whatever the group happens to be.”
That group, on Monday, included the Bows & Bullets 4-H Shooting Sports Club, which set up alongside Merit to offer desserts for freewill donations. Between cakes, cookies, and coffee, the youth-led club raised $750 — money they’ll use to fund supplies, equipment, and community outreach.
“We have to purchase our own ammo and equipment,” said club leader Tracie Sedlacek. “And money goes toward community engagement projects and ammo for .22, shotgun, and archery.”
Sedlacek says the Bows & Bullets club can be an expensive club to run because ammunition isn’t cheap and they’re always fundraising.
The Bows & Bullets 4-H Shooting Sports Club is continuing their fundraising with a raffle that runs through July 19. Tickets are $20 and prizes include a grill, a rifle, and more. Tickets can be purchased through 4-H members or at the Washington County Extension Office.
That being said, the $750 will go a decent distance in helping the club continue to shoot for their goals and support their community because this club is not just about marksmanship.
They’re a familiar presence at events across the area, known for connecting with others — like the craft sessions they host with residents of Parkview Home in Wayland.
“We’re a busy club. We get out and about in the community and we do things,” Sedlacek said.
That community spirit defined the entire afternoon at the Wayland pit stop and the impact from generous drivers will certainly be put to good work.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
