By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Independent
For the third weekend in a row, an event was held at the Stettler agricultural grounds.
The event this past week was the annual Stettler Antique Tractor Club Antique Tractor Pull, which took place on July 24th.
In a tractor pull, the antique tractors are attached to a sled with weights on it, and as the tractor pulls the sled the weight shifts, increasing resistance and weight.
As soon as the drag increases enough that the tractor’s front wheels stop forward motion, a judge waves a flag, and the measurement is taken as to how far the sled had been dragged.
In total, 37 competitors brought 56 antique tractors of various shapes and sizes to the event. Not limited to the local area, the competitors came from all over Alberta. The tractors used in the event were all built prior to the 1960s.
According to a representative of the Stettler Antique Tractor Club, the youngest participant at the event was 20 years old and the oldest was 88.
“This year we had four women showing the men that girl power is awesome,” said club member Karen Wahlund.
Due to the economic realities over the last couple of years because of the pandemic, it was decided that for 2021 the Antique Tractor Pull would not have prizes, and instead would be just for fun.
“Since it was a fun pull, there were no prizes.” Said Wahlund.
“It was just for bragging rights.”
The event was well-attended by the community as well, with the two sets of bleachers full at various points in the day, along with others sitting along the side of the track in folding chairs.
For those who chose to eat at the grounds there was also a concession run out the Stettler & District Agricultural Society building kitchen, which featured a variety of foods.
