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Community Corner

Tractors Will Cruise Into Durham This Weekend

Admission to the 10th annual Tractor Cruise-In is $5 per carload, but anyone pulling or riding a tractor or antique truck will be admitted free.

 

On Saturday, August 11, antique and modern farm tractors, pedal tractors, and antique trucks will assemble on the Fair Grounds in Durham (Route 17) to take part in the tenth annual Tractor Cruise-In sponsored by the Durham Fair Foundation, Inc.  The event, that also includes a flea market, a die cast toy sale, back seat driver contest and a slow race, kicks off at 9 a.m. 

In the true spirit of a cruise-in, tractor and antique trucks owners do not need to pre-register and can simply arrive the morning of the event to join the excitement.  Rain or shine, the vehicles will be on display throughout the day.

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The first event of the day, an antique tractor pull at 9:30 a.m., will test the stamina of those not-so-new tractors.  At 11:30 a.m., kids can hop aboard a tractor at the pedal tractor pull in the Cow Palace. Tractors will be provided.

At 10:00, the Back Seat Driver Contest where couples will maneuver through an obstacle course on a garden tractor with the male driver blindfolded and the female half of the couple providing directions from behind.  New to the Cruise-In in 2009, it is back and better than ever.

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For the kids, there will be all day hayrides as well as an opportunity to have a professional photo of your child on a variety of tractors.  

In a contest for the finest tuned engine, tractors will participate at 1 p.m. in the oxymoronic “slow race.”  The highlight of the day, the tractor parade, will kick off at 2:30 p.m.

The Durham Business Expo will be held on the Fair Grounds in the Commercial Building at the same time as the Tractor Cruise-In.  Spectators are welcome to browse this event that is included with paid admission.

Admission to the Cruise-In is $5 per carload, but anyone pulling or riding a tractor or antique truck will be admitted free.  Participants in the event may bring a decorated trailer for a tailgate party throughout the day. 

The Tractor Cruise-In has become the signature event for the Durham Fair Foundation.  The Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization founded in 1996 by the Durham Agricultural Fair Association.  The Foundation’s mission is to preserve and promote Connecticut’s agricultural heritage, history, rural life and the Durham Fair by sponsoring educational events, programs and exhibits. 

For more information, contact Len Baginski, President of the Durham Fair Foundation at 860-349-3305, or Karin or Bob Thody at 860-349-9191.

Rain date for the event will be Sunday, August 12.

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