Antique Tractor Pull chugs along at Alaska State Fair

PALMER — The annual Antique Tractor Pull and Display event series has become a regular staple of the Alaska State Fair experience.

The Antique Power Club of Alaska hosts a daily demonstration of vintage tractors and other farm equipment at 3 p.m. near the Yellow Gate and equestrian area throughout the fair season.

Each day, people can watch club members use old tractors to haul a heavy steel sled to see who can go the longest distance.

Club president Rich Greeno said it isn’t a formal competition and it’s all about having a good time. He said it’s a lot of work getting all the equipment to the Fair, but it’s worth it every year.

“We just keep having fun and nobody gets a dime. We’ve got a good group,” Greeno said.

The Antique Tractor Pull is a free event to spectate. Visitors can view an array of vintage tractors and other farm equipment before and after each show. There’s also free hay rides available. Greeno said it’s nice being able to offer a free event to the public with so many long lines and the costs of food and other entertainment adding up to the average fairgoers. He said the spectator stands were completely full on Saturday.

“There’s quite a few people that show up,” Greeno said. “It’s a little different. It’s a little diversion.”

Greeno said their event ties in well with the Fair’s agricultural roots and colonial history.

“That’s why they want us here. It brings back the old style flavor of fairs,” Greeno said.

According to Greeno, there are about 70 members currently involved with the Antique Power Club. He said the group restores colonial farm equipment throughout the year and participates in numerous community events and parades, including the Alaska State Fair Parade in downtown Palmer. Greeno said that he rode his 1935 John Deer tractor in five different parades this year.

“That’s what we have our tractors for,” Greeno said.

For more information about the Antique Power Club of Alaska, visit the official Facebook page.

For more information about the 2022 Alaska State Fair, visit alaskastatefair.org.