“There is certain sentimentality in looking at the way things used to be.”
While generally true, when methods used by forefathers producing essential agricultural commodities in early decades of the previous century are on parade, interests within inner feelings climb higher.
Proof was never more apparent than at the Spring Crank Up Tractor Show in Alta Vista.
“Ag Heritage Park welcomed 300 plus visitors for our kick-off event,” according to Connie Larson, president of the family-owned display of just about everything to do with life on the farm in days gone by.
“We had people from 64 towns throughout Kansas, and even from six other states. Of course, much of the attraction was the large number of tractors and farm related machinery displayed by 30 exhibitors from a wide area as well,” Larson added.
As the action packed day is a major ordeal to the small rural Wabaunsee County community, the Alta Vista Chamber of Commerce became involved, sponsoring a breakfast in the morning, an Easter Egg Hunt, and the remaining businesses in town, including several antique shops, made a generally somewhat quite Saturday, one of bustle all around.
Of course, most people involved in agriculture, especially the men folks, have an attraction for machinery and especially tractor power.
Appropriately, a Parade of Power officially opened the Ag Heritage Park Spring Crank Up Tractor Show as many of those antique tractors, mostly in highly restored condition, paraded Main Street, along with a number of the tractors permanently displayed at the park.
“Leading this year’s parade and a major highlight of the show was the 1938 Minneapolis-Moline UDLX Comfortractor owned, driven and shown by the Stamm Family of Washington. It was a big hit as were an IHC pickup and a collectible Scout,” Larson said.
Then, all were presented for inspection throughout the morning and afternoon at the park. Several stationery engines were exhibited along with a rock crusher, a trailer filled with horse drawn seed drills, several garden tractors and an antique hay baler.
Visitors to the park were also entertained by Ron Schultz and Jamming Friends playing traditional bluegrass music. “They have a good following of their own, and attracted additional fans during their presentation here,” Larson admitted.
“Sharon Heideman and Marilyn Andres did a program on ‘How To Make A Barn Quilt Block’ during the afternoon,” Larson noted. “Nice weather did help I am sure with the attendance, even though it was Easter weekend.”