FARMINGTON – And away they go.
The 14th annual Antique Tractor Festival kicked off this morning, with more than 100 machines spanning the past seven decades filling the Farmington Fairgrounds. The festival, sponsored by the Maine Antique Tractor Club, runs until June 28 with the gates opening at 8 a.m.
The largest gathering of antique tractors in the northeast, this year’s festival will highlight Case tractors and equipment. Plenty of antique tractors and associated equipment will be on exhibit, along with pulling contests, a tractor parade, and vendors and crafters displaying their wares. In addition, a photography and “Maine” pie contest and auction, sponsored by Franklin County Farm Bureau and the Maine Antique Tractor Club, will be held on Saturday in the Starbird Building on the grounds.
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Laurie Pratt, who is a member of the tractor club in addition to being a Weld Selectman, said she and her husband Mike Pratt attend every festival. The pair own nine antique tractors, lovingly restored to working condition.
She waved to Mike Pratt, who was leaving the tractor-pulling ring. Laurie Pratt said she expected to take her turn tomorrow morning.
“I usually beat him,” she laughed.
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The photography competition will be judged on Saturday, at around 10:30 a.m., with photos accepted at the Starbird Building on Friday, June 26 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. or 4:30 – 7:00 p.m., or Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
All photographs must be framed and wired or have a strong hanger/hook and must, of course, contain a picture of a tractor. Photographs must be at least 5 X 7″ and not larger than 11 X 14″. The overall size of picture and frame must be less than 18 X 18″. For further information, please contact Pamela Harnden, 645-2568.
In the “Maine” pie contest and auction there will be three categories: Apple, Fruit and Other. Winners will be selected in each category and then a Best of the Best will also be chosen. Each pie must have as a main ingredient at least one item that is produced in either Franklin County or Maine. Entries will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., on Saturday.
The auction will take place after the awards ceremony, at about 1:30 p.m. Proceeds from the auction will be used to support the various programs that Franklin County Farm Bureau hosts or sponsors. Some of these include supporting the Ronald MacDonald Houses during Food Check-Out Week, assisting with costs for the Children’s Learning Center at Maine Farm Days and developing consumer awareness &/or agricultural education programs for this county. For further information, please contact Pamela Harnden, 645-2568.
The tractor club was founded in 1994 by a handful of tractor lovers and has grown to more than 500 members and sponsors, according to its Web site www.maineantiquetractorclub.com.
Admission is adults $5, ages 11-17 is $2, and 10 and under get in free.
