7/14/2011
The West Virginia Farm Museum in Mason County will host its first-ever “Tractor Show and Games” Saturday July 16, 2011, from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Organizer John Ohlinger, a longtime tractor buff, says the day is about sharing an interest in old farm equipment and preserving West Virginia’s rural heritage.
“It’s similar to a car show. It’s a day to just bring whatever you want to show and talk to whoever stops by,” said Ohlinger. “They may have their grandfather’s old tractor and there’s usually a story behind that. There’s no trophies; it’s just for bragging rights. It’ll be a lot of fun for everyone.”
Besides just showing off old tractors, the event will include a tractor pull and a driving skills competitions for the adults, as well as a pedal tractor pull for the kids. Kids’ activities start at 11 a.m. The adult activities begin at 1 p.m. There are no entry or admission fees for any of the events. Every tractor/equipment entry will be entered in a door prize drawing.
The Farm Museum’s cafeteria will be open for the day, and the public can also tour the grounds of the museum on a hay ride.
Ohlinger said he’s personally spread the word about the show and he expects a good number of tractor owners to enter the show. However, anyone can show up the morning of the event if they want to. There’s even a miscellaneous class for old farm tools. The categories are:
- Class 1 – Tractors, 1959 year model and older
- Class 2 – Tractors, 1960 and newer
- Class 3 – Riding Mowers - with or without mower
- Class 4 – Walk Behind Garden Tractor – with or without attachments
- Class 5 – Pedal Tractors (any age)
- Class 6 – Toy Tractor & Machinery Display (bring your own display table)
- Class 7 – Misc. Farm Equipment Display (wagons, plows, tools, etc.)
“As I get old I realize I’m working the same fields my grandfather did. The difference is he did it with horses,” said Ohlinger. “The Farm Museum is a really good location for this show because we’re trying to preserve our heritage.”
The West Virginia Farm Museum is located four miles north of Point Pleasant and seven miles south of Mason, just off Rt. 62 on Fairgrounds Road (look for signs).
Contact Information
Buddy Davidson, Communications Officer
304-558-3708; 304-541-5932 (cell)
bdavidson@ag.state.wv.us