Tractor pulls return to Tampico next weekend

0

After a two-year wait due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 55th annual Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department Truck and Tractor Pull and Fish Fry will make its return.

The action starts June 17 at the fire department, 5358 S. County Road 450E, Tampico.

Kyle Warren, one of the organizers, said planning for this year’s event has gone fairly smooth.

“The Grassy Fork VFD members are very excited to be able to have the pulls this year,” he said. “The decision last year to cancel the pulls was necessary but very tough and one we hope to never have to make again.”

Warren said the pandemic has been hard on everyone, and he hopes the tractor pulls will let people socialize in an outdoor setting while the country makes its way back to normalcy.

Conversations were made early on to make sure the event could be held safely, he said. Vendors were contacted earlier to help ensure products and supplies could be delivered prior to the event.

Warren said lead times have been extended on getting product, and they couldn’t assume everything would be readily available.

As for the differences attendees can expect between this year’s event and previous years, Warren said dining inside the fire station will not be allowed due to safety precautions.

Social distancing will be promoted, and extra precautions will be taken in food distribution areas.

“Although the COVID infection rates are greatly improving, the virus is still present, and we have to ensure we are taking the necessary precautions to protect our workers and patrons,” he said.

The opening night’s schedule includes a pedal tractor pull for kids, an antique tractor pull featuring those 1961 or older and a garden tractor pull sanctioned by the Southern Indiana Pulling Association.

Pedal pull registration begins at 6 p.m. with the pull beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Activities June 18 will kick off at 7 p.m. The slate of contests starts with the 11,500-pound open farm tractors, followed by hot farm tractors, limited pro stock tractors and pro stock tractors. The last three events are sanctioned by the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League.

June 19 will feature five classes with the first beginning at 6 p.m. They include 12,000-pound farm stock tractors operating at 10 mph, 12,000-pound farm stock tractors operating at 14 mph and 8,000-pound open diesel trucks.

The Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League is sanctioning two of those events: Hot farm tractors as a part of the league’s Midwest Regional and pro stock tractors for the league’s Champions Tour.

The fire department’s normal menu of fish sandwiches, homemade pies and desserts, candy and ice cream also will be available.

“We encourage the community to come out and enjoy a great show and to have some good food while they are at it,” Warren said.

Admission and parking are free.

[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]

Contact information: Scott Teipen, 812-569-1761 (antique tractor classes); Steve Wischmeier, 812-525-8842; Tracy Wehmiller, 812-528-0664; Brian Tape, 812-521-1241; Clint Tape, 812-216-3965; or visit facebook.com/tampicotractorpull

[sc:pullout-text-end]

No posts to display