Presque Isle, Maine is a small community on Route 1 just west of the Canadian border. The small farming community doesn’t have prestigious mansions or perfectly manicured streets. There are few novelty or coffee shops that offer “free WiFi.” Nonetheless, there seems to be an abundance of farms, locally-run businesses and close-knit neighbors who know each other by first name.
Recently I took a trip to Presque Isle and one thing that really stood out to me were the farmhouses. They were carefully manicured. Organized so neatly, it was obvious to see that those who took up residence there took great pride in their homes.
Seeing these farms reminded me of my childhood. Back then, I lived on a small dairy farm in Vermont. My father inherited the farm from his parents and he, my mother and I proudly ran it for many years. Even as a small child I knew that my parents took great pride in their home and occupation, simply from their strong work ethic and the great strides that they took to keep their home looking unquestionably prestigious.
Much like Vermont, Presque Isle’s fields are rich with abundant crops in late July. Where farmers had once endlessly labored, now are planted waves of greens with vibrant white and purple blossoms. Countless roadside stands lined the streets. I stopped at a few and found items that ranged from broccoli to potatoes. Each stand was a little different. However; each one clearly displayed the riches of the labor that all of the farmers had put in.
While in Presque Isle, I stayed at a small hotel where I was promptly greeted with a warm smile. I was comforted to receive such personal, small-town service. I immediately felt like a local. My husband, Dave, and I spent most of our time at the local state fair (Northern Maine Fair). The fair was much like many that I had been to in Vermont. There were familiar attractions, food and rides. However, this fair also had something quite special: a small, close community of farmers who participated in a collection of tractor games.
One may ask why a couple from Vermont would travel 11 hours just to attend a small fair in Maine. Well the answer lies way back in March of 2014. I had written a book about tractor events that we had hosted at our home in Shaftsbury Hollow. The games involved participants riding tractors and completing timed tasks for awards.
When writing the book, I had no idea what an amazing response I would get. I received many calls from excited and curious patrons. I had hours of fascinating conversations with people who shared my love for tractors and the games. One of the many people who called me was a man named Russell Bugbee. He had heard about my book through a close friend named Anndrea ‘’Anndie’’ Green. Anndie was very excited about the games and with aggressive encouragement, she got Russell to contact me to learn more and got the tractor wheels rolling. In the end, Russell ordered three copies of my Shaftsbury Hollow Tractor Olympics official rule book and I felt like I had just made new lifelong friends.
With the dedication of Anndie, Russell and the other board of directors of the fair, plans were set in place to create a new attraction for the fair.
I started to realize this dedication in June when Russell gave us a second call. He had a couple questions about the guidelines in the book. As we talked, I asked how many of the games were they planning to do this year. “All of them,” Russell replied.
As we talked, I mentioned I would like to come to their tractor games. I knew immediately we would be welcomed when Russell made sure I had the dates of the tractor rodeo games at the fair, directions and places to stay.
I was excited to use Russell and Anndie’s ideas and also use them as a template for the use of my little book. Many books have been sold and I’ve spoken to many tractor enthusiasts. Russell was the first to tell me in detail the assembled games to be put into motion.
The first night became a washout, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the track officials, tractor enthusiasts or our time. We all knew Tuesday night would be the clincher. Tuesday night would set the tractor rodeo games into motion.
As 5 p.m. Tuesday (July 29) rolled around, newer and antique tractors began to roll up to the arena to register for the planned events. With a number of competitors in mind for the first year, the volunteers soon realized they were passing that goal.
By the start of the first event at 6 p.m. to the last competitor of the last event after 9:30, cheers and laughter could be heard over the roar of the tractors.
Tom Drew, of Woodland — the announcer — set the mood for not just the drivers’ competitive spirit but also a light-hearted time for all playing and watching in the stands. He set the tone for ear-to-ear smiles and belly-roll laughter, which seemed to miraculously wipe away the aches and pains of many years of farming.
Whether a driver just became familiar with the tractor only 30 minutes before the tractor rodeo games or worked their tractor their whole working years in the fields, the competition was fierce, but friendly.
The proud parents cheered the next generation on as they competed. You could tell all generations had a common bond and farm respect we don’t want to lose. I even heard someone say that was what the fair is all about.
I quickly realized whether we are in Shaftsbury, Vt., Saegertown, Pa., or Presque Isle, Maine, our well-seasoned drivers melted our hearts as we watched them have so much fun on tractors they used to make their living with. That man (or woman) and machine team get to have some glory days by showing off their tractor skills that were their everyday lifestyles many years ago.
