Dad's Day weekend tractor pull planned

The Fourth Annual Ricebelt Antique Tractor Pull and Show returns Father's Day weekend, June 14-15, at the El Campo American Legion grounds just off Hwy. 71 at Armory Road.

There will also be arts and crafts booths, family fun and a special ceremony honoring the nation's flag.

The tractor pull benefits the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 72 van driver fund and is co-sponsored by the South Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters Club, with 160 plus members from all over south Texas.

DAV Chapter 72, based in El Campo, pays drivers to transport veterans from Wharton, Jackson, Colorado and Matagorda counties to and from the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Houston free of charge five days a week.

Saturday is the main event day featuring antique tractors in four separate divisions pulling a resistance sled. Pull starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday with a $15 hook fee per pull.

To classify as "antique" the tractor must be a 1965 or earlier model.

The El Campo Elks Lodge No.1749 will be hosting a Flag Day ceremony on the grounds at 11:30 a.m., followed by the parade of tractors at noon.

Show judging begins at 1 p.m., featuring antique static engine and equipment displays including combines and cotton pickers as well as early farm day demonstrations, all on pre-1965 machinery and equipment.

"In an effort to preserve rural farm heritage and involve more youth, the Kiddy Pedal Pull is returning with pedal tractors pulling a custom made sled sponsored by Shoppa's Farm Supply," event volunteer Sherry Roddy said.

The event will be for ages three to eight starting at 3 p.m., Saturday.

Arts, crafts and food booths will also be on the Legion grounds.

Sunday will be a Fun Pull day beginning at 11 a.m.

The Sunday event "allows newcomers and beginners to try their skill without the pressure of competition," Roddy said.

A new event - lawnmower pulls - starts at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Admission to the craft show is free. Pull/show admission is $5 per person, (children under 12 free). Parking for all events is free. To register tractors, engine or equipment contact Debbie Chappell at 979-543-4215.

There is no booth fee this year - it is based on a first come, first served basis.

To register for booths contact Leonard or Dana Sternadel at 979-543-1122 or e-mail dana. sternadel@gmail.com.