Tractor enthusiasts from far and near were on hand Feb. 11 at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center to take part in the Maine Antique Tractor Club/Northern Branch’s first annual awards banquet.
Approximately 60 members and their families were in attendance for the event.
“Awards were given for the ‘top pullers’ of 2006,” said Cheryl Boulier, one of the event organizers.
Pullers from Limestone to Medway were on hand to be recognized for their accomplishments behind the wheel of their tractor of choice.
In the 2000 pound class, Niklas Roble, of New Sweden, used a Farmall Cub to take top honors.
Jon Poitras, of Limestone took the 2,500 pound division on a John Deere M.
Washburn’s Burton Tilley used a Massey Harris 30 to beat other competitors in the 3,000 pound class.
A Ferguson driven by Peter Turnbull, of Winterville, drove away with the prize in the 3,500 pound category.
In the 4,000 and 4,500 division, Bill Fitzherbert, of Washburn, used an Oliver 70 Row Crop to take top honors.
Proving women can compete and win in what was once an event dominated by men, Lynn York, of Medway, drove her Cockshutt 40 to win in both the 5,000 and 5,500 pound classes.
Bridgewater’s Chad Kinsgbury took the title for the 6,000 pound class driving a Farmall M.
Kevin Kidney, of Washburn, used a John Deere 520 to win the prize for the 6,500 pound class.
In the 7,000 pound category, Arthur York, of Medway, used a Cockshutt 50 to pull to victory.
Troy Doody, of Presque Isle, drove a Farmall M to take the award in the 7,500 pound class.
“Volunteer of the Year honors were also presented to: Larry Kingsbury, of Bridgewater; Chad Kingsbury, of Bridgewater; Jerod Kingsbury, of Bridgewater; Clayton Turner, of Fort Fairfield; and Sterling Haynes, of Wade,” said Boulier.
Linwood Winslow, of MPG Truck and Tractor, of Presque Isle, received the award for Sponsor of the Year, according to Boulier.
Established in 2005, the Maine Antique Tractor Club/Northern Branch has 125 members from Houlton to Fort Kent.
“Statewide, the club has over 600 members. The main mission of the club is to preserve the agricultural and rural heritage for future generations,” said Boulier.
The club’s yearly schedule includes antique tractor pulls, displays, demonstrations of the older equipment used in farming and events for children, said Boulier.
