CENTERTOWN, Mo. - Antique tractor enthusiasts were treated to a free day of music, conversation, shopping and, most of all, showing off their tractors.
Attendees of the second annual Show Me State Antique Tractor, Farm Toy and Classic Vehicle Show enjoyed good weather as they wandered the Apple Creek Farms site where dozens of tractors and cars were lined up.
Local bands Ben and Izzak Green, Johnny's Friends and Ozark Underground took turns on the covered stage for all-day, live entertainment.
The informal, country-style event is the only on-going, public event hosted by farm owner Reid Millard, said organizer Renee Reuter.
"We wanted a family-filled day where grandchildren to grandparents can enjoy," she said.
It also helps raise money for the Nichols Career Center FFA Chapter.
More than a dozen teenagers volunteered at the afternoon event, after helping at the Central Missouri Master Gardener's Plant Sale that began at 5 a.m. Saturday, said President Victoria Forck.
A Helias Catholic High School senior, Forck said the event not only helps the young club raise money to support projects and travel to conventions, but it also gives the students the opportunity to share their enthusiasm about the program.
"A lot of people don't know who we are," she said.
What is for sure, of the hundreds of people who turned out Saturday at Apple Creek Farm, they knew their tractors.
"Everybody wants to tell you something about their tractor," said enthusiast Gary Bemboom.
Not all of the 30-plus tractors were painted to showroom quality; some of them are still in use.
While many tractor enthusiasts are brand loyal, others like J.B. DeWesplore collect a variety. Although he owns 13, DeWesplore said he brought a 1949, flambeau red LA Case, which he restored two years ago, completing his set of that line of Case tractors.
Now, he's started collecting the next line of Case, he said.
Bemboom brought ones he has painted up but also still uses, he said. He brought an International 656 and a 560, plus a 1954 Ford Jubilee.
"I like that we always have that connection with the people from the past," Bemboom said.
On the web: www.applecreekfarm.com