The Stettler Antique Tractor Club made its public debut the final weekend of July with its inaugural antique tractor pull, held at the Agriplex in the Town of Stettler.
The event, despite the clammy weather, drew a steady crowd as the tractors lined up on the firm but still muddy track.
According to event organizers, tractor owners came from all across Alberta to participate in the event, resulting in seven different classes of tractors pulling in the event. The classes were determined by the weights dragged behind the tractor.
The tractor tires worked hard to keep a firm grip on the ground, which had been pounded the day before by a good onslaught of rain. The early morning sun had baked off a lot of the moisture, but by afternoon it was drizzling again and was cool and cloudy. As the wheels turned, mud flew this way and that as the heavy weight was hauled down the track.
In the Bantam class, Robin Larsen and his tractor pulled the heaviest weight the furthest, securing victory. Bill Adams took Class I, Len Aucoin Class II, Howard Hilderbrandt Class III, Reg Mosset Class IV, Jim Page Class V, and Ken Norman Class VI.
The Antique Tractor Club, which officially was formed this year but has been an unofficial grouping of tractor aficionados for many years, runs out of the Stettler Museum, where a building to display tractor and tractor history was erected late last year.
Later this month, the club will be hosting an Antique Tractor parade and display at the Steel Wheel Stampede.
The event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of many volunteers, according to event organizers. Sponsors helped cover the costs of the events, but it was the pullers and volunteers who made it possible to run.
The event is intended to return next year – though hopefully with nicer weather.