‘Friends with Tractor’ to put a spark back in the hobby

[By Wendy Post]

On May 16 and 17, tractors, old and new, will converge on Route 38 in Newark Valley for an event that will highlight the hobby. The two-day event runs from about 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and then from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, will “put the spark back in the hobby,” according to organizer Evan Goodrich.

The idea for a “Friends with Tractors” event came to mind after Evan’s son, Easton, visited a tractor show in Florida and loved it. It was there that Evan decided to bring the idea home and began working to put together an event.

“There are a lot of young folks out there with tractors,” said Goodrich, adding, “and it’s good to get families outside doing things together. We need more of that.”

Held at 8088 Route 38 in Newark Valley, behind the Creekside Diner, the event will take place in an open field and will include an antique tractor, engine, and garden tractor display; tractor games each day at noon; a kiddie fun area; a pedal tractor pull; food and parking; and a live band on Saturday evening, performing country music and classic rock.

According to Goodrich, games will include obstacle courses, tractor and barrel races, a balance beam, and more. For the kids, they will have pedal tractors to drive around, and the activity center will allow for digging, and more!

Goodrich also hopes to have plenty of vendors on hand. Set up in a sale and swap area, spots are available for $25 for the weekend. Entrance to the event, however, is free.

“We want families to get back outside,” said Evan. “We also want everyone to get together for a fun weekend that will put a little spark back into the antique tractor hobby.”

For more information about the event or becoming a vendor, call or text Evan at (607) 205-0175.