Fans of horsepower, motor oil and the Eugene FFA are invited to attend the 15th annual Truck and Tractor Pull, presented by the Mid-Missouri Truck and Tractor Pulling Association.
The Eugene FFA fundraiser is hosted by the Russellville Lions Club to raise money for equipment, new curriculum and attending conventions. Gates open at 5 p.m. for a 7 p.m. show June 8 at 13625 Route C in Russellville.
Eugene FFA agricultural science instructor Ed Hager said he expects 90-150 pullers to compete. Pulling classes will include general trucks and tractors all the way up to smooth bore 2.6 diesel trucks and 11,000 hot stock tractors.
Proceeds go to purchasing metal and woodworking tools for the agricultural workshop, the latest curriculum to prepare students for FFA competitions and help members attend events like summer camps as well as the state and national conventions.
Admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for ages 11-15 and is free for all children younger than 10. The concessions stand will offer the same menu as local sporting events.
The event began as a way for Eugene FFA to raise money without competing with other area schools in food sales, which is a common FFA chapter fundraising method.
"We decided to try something different, step outside of the bounds and have the tractor pull," Hager said. "The Mid-Missouri Truck and Tractor Pullers worked with us all these years, and they put on a tremendous show."
The pull initially was held on a private farm. The pullers' association attracts the participants and hold the competition, but the FFA members were responsible for turning the course back into a field at the event's conclusion.
The Russellville Lions Club volunteered to host about eight years ago, and Hager said the partnership has been beneficial for the Eugene FFA.
"It's as really good venue in the center of where everybody that likes to come," Hager said.