VALENTINE, Neb. - If you’re cruising down the highway this week in north-central Nebraska, you may have to slow down for a unique sight: a convoy of vintage tractors chugging along as part of Tractor Relay Across Nebraska.

Gayle Noble is one of more than two dozen people taking part in the event, which started Saturday in Valentine and ends Thursday in O’Neill.

“I got my dad’s tractor when he passed away,” Noble said. "That’s basically what started it."

Noble now has a couple hundred tractors, ranging from John Deere to Minneapolis to Allis.

“It’s an addiction, just like people like cars,” Noble said. "This group here likes tractors."

After Valentine, the relay will head through Ainsworth and then Atkinson.

“This started in 2012,” Relay Coordinator Donelle Moormeier said. "The concept was it was like a Pony Express-Oregon Trail."

The old-school event also raises new money for veterans. Donations go to Operation Comfort Warrior and Nebraska Gifts for Yanks.

In addition to driving across north-central Nebraska, the tractors also make stops at veteran’s clubs, businesses and assisted living facilities.

“Usually people love seeing the tractors and talking about them, especially at the assisted living homes,” Moormeier said. "Those people remember growing up on the farm with the red tractors or the green tractors."

“I met a lady here at the Valentine assisted living home,” Noble said. "First thing she said was, ‘I drove some of those tractors,’ so it impressed her."

A good cause spreading good spirits all across north-central Nebraska.

You can find additional details about the event here.