Convoy of historic US military vehicles to come through north-central Iowa next week

MASON CITY — A convoy of US military vehicles will be making its way through north-central Iowa next week as part of a 2500 mile journey. The Military Vehicle Preservation Association is celebrating the 15th year of their convoy program by retracing the historic Jefferson Highway route from the Minnesota border to New Orleans.

Visit Mason City executive director Lindsey James says they’ll be in Northwood and Mason City starting on Monday. — “They’ll arrive in Northwood on Monday morning, and then following their pancake breakfast and a tour of the Waking Miss Winifred, they will come to Mason City. We’re working with the police department to coordinate a police escort  into town, and then they will be with us, overnighting Monday evening and Tuesday evening, taking a rest day in Mason City. Wednesday they will hit the road and head south.”

James says the convoy is sponsored by the largest international historic military vehicle group which includes roughly 3500 members. “They are historic and restored vehicles, military ambulances, transport vehicles. It’s just historic  and lots of character, lots of stories to be told.”

James says the public on Monday night will have a chance to have an up close look at these historic vehicles at the Mason City VFW.  “The drivers of them will be available. They’ll be on site Monday evening from 4:00 to 6:00 at the VFW. The public is invited to come out and chat with the drivers, learn more about the vehicles,  have pictures taken, learn about everyone’s travels as they’re exploring the Jefferson Highway, and thank them for keeping this history alive and sharing it with our community.”

This year marks the eighth convoy organized by the Military Vehicle Preservation Association and the first to follow a north-south axis through the heart of the country.