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Antique farm equipment celebrates agricultural heritage
Story Date: 5/8/2008
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Source: NCDA&CS
More than 700 pieces of antique tractors and farm equipment will be on display as part of the Got to be NC Festival June 5-8 at the N.C.State Fairgrounds. Machines dating back to the 1930s and representing brand names such as Ford, Allis-Chalmers, John Deere, Cub Cadet and Massey Ferguson will be part of the inaugural four-day event.
Many of these tractors will compete in the antique tractor pulls on Saturday and Sunday.
More than 20 clubs from across the state will be showcasing equipment such as tractors, hit-and-miss engines, plows, corn shellers and mowers. In addition, prizes will be awarded for the best tractor equipment display in three different age categories: prior to 1930, 1930-1949 and 1950-1960.
“Being a farmer myself, I am particularly excited to see all of the antique equipment that will be brought in,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This is shaping up to be one of the largest antique tractor and farm equipment shows in the eastern United States, and it will be a lot of fun to see all of the old names and models on display.”
Participating clubs include Carolina Antique Tractor Pullers Association, Iron Peddlers Antique Power Club, Apple Country Antique Engine & Tractor Association, Pee Dee Antique Power Club and Ford/Fordson Collectors Association.
“The show will be fun and educational for the whole family,” said Pat Short, the festival’s motorsports coordinator. “Adults can reminisce about the equipment they used or grew up with on the farm, while children can learn all about the agricultural heritage of North Carolina.”
In addition to the tractors and equipment on display, the Sandhills Antique Farm Equipment Club from Lillington will run antique farm equipment several times a day to demonstrate how the pieces work and what they were used for. This includes a corn shredder, thrashing machine, hay baler, corn shellers, grist mill, feed mill, tobacco stick cutter and other pieces of belt-driven equipment.
Festival hours will be 3 p.m.-midnight Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. Tickets to events in the Sam Rand Grandstand will be $5.
The antique tractor and farm equipment show will be open during the festival’s normal operating hours. The festival will also feature a food expo, carnival rides and games, the state barbecue cooking championship and more. For more information, go to www.ncagfest.com.
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