Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
CLAYPOOL - The weather was wonderful to draw hundreds of people to the sixth annual SummerFest Tractor Show and Pull over the weekend at 6840 S. County Farm Road, Claypool.
Members of the Echoes of the Past prepared the grounds in anticipation of the large crowd. The new restrooms funded by a grant from Kosciusko County Convention Recreation Visitor Commission were completed in time for the SummerFest to begin. The event kicked off on Friday at noon and ran well past the 9 p.m. closing time. Crowds flocked to watch the evening tractor pulls, according to a news release from Echoes of the Past. Kids of all ages were drawn to the tube slide, tractor driving experience, corn pit, rolling tubes and coin hunting.
The thresher produced a massive amount of hay for the kids to rummage through to find the hidden treasure buried beneath. The corn pit proved to be a hit as the trail of kernel corn was dropped in all directions. Ryan Parker and Drainage Solutions provided the hay bales and giant tubes for the kids to slide down. Kids climbed up the stacked bales to slide down a 20-foot tube. Club members took the kids round the driving experience area while they piloted the steering wheel.
The tractor pull was a big success, starting at 5 p.m. and lasting into the darkness of night. Tractors of all make models and engine power took to the track. Studebaker Farms staffed the sled for the drivers. The pulls took place on Friday and Saturday.
Saturday was a day full of scheduled activities. The day started at 7 a.m. with a breakfast of eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy and pancakes. The breakfast benefitted the Kurt Miller Memorial Fund.
The Mystery 5K Run started at 8 a.m. Runners were taken by tram to an undisclosed location to begin the run through the countryside.
Hop Woodworking began his demonstration at 8 a.m. He began work carving a bench from three logs. He held a raffle giving patrons the opportunity to win two creative carvings.
At 9:30 a.m., the Kurt Miller Memorial Tractor Drive started. Fifty-five tractors drove the 20-mile trek through county roads before returning to the showgrounds. The tractor drive honors young club member Kurt Miller, who died at the age of 17 in a tragic accident 10 years ago.
Leeann Snyder held a demonstration on wheat weaving. Her articulate work was beautiful, and her demonstration of the process was intriguing, according to the release.
The garden tractor pull was an afternoon activity. Pullers came from all over Indiana to partake in the pull. Brian Wood furnished the sled for the club and pullers of all ages to take their turn down the track.
Dave Baker and his hot air balloon drew a line of riders Saturday evening. He took rider after rider up in the tether balloon. Those in the basket got a bird’s eye view of the fest grounds and the surrounding grounds. He also did a glow once it got dark to the enjoyment of the crowd.
Entertainment took place at 6 p.m. Beez and the Rocker provided live music, fun, laughter and dancing to visitors to the show and had a captive audience for three hours. They performed classics as well as their original material.
Patrons of SummerFest could shop the numerous vendors at the Farmhouse Market. Candles, honey, home décor, jewelry and lots of handmade goods were sold.
Tractor-churned ice cream was served throughout both days. Red raspberry, peach, cookies and cream were the top choice of those enjoying a cup of the treat. Lunch and dinner were also served both days by Wheels on Fire Cancer Crusaders. Proceeds from their sales benefit local cancer patients.
Up next for the club is the Fall Fest Oct. 10 and 11 at 6840 S. County Farm Road, Claypool, and will start at 4 p.m. Oct. 10.
For more information about events or about the club, visit their website at www.theechoesofthepast.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OldTractors
