The annual show at Wellton Arizona on the 3rd weekend of January is hosted by the Southwest Forgotten Iron Branch 206 of Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association. It is very much more, however. Branches 240 Power From The Past, and EDGETA Branch 22 were instrumental in making this show one of the best in the Southwest.
It is rare that one can find multiple Presidents in the same location, but when you do, it is impossible to resist a photo opportunity. (L-R) Jeff is the President of the National Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association, and President of Branch 8 located in Kingsburg, CA. as well. On Jeffs left is Cliff, President of EDGETA Branch 22 from San Diego, CA. Next to Cliff is Greg, President of Branch 240 out of Tucson, AZ. To Greggs left is Bill, President of Southwest Forgotten Iron Branch 206 of EDGETA and host club for the event.
The author was fortunate enough to secure a room at the Microtel in Wellton and be able to get shots of the vast showgrounds. The areas were laid out on graph paper initially with dimensions for exhibitor areas, emergency access, and walkways then transferred to the ground. The water truck from the town of Wellton turned out to be the most valuable pieces of equipment for the desert sandy soil. The first exhibitor John Baum to roll in was the largest display of tractors this author has ever seen. This is one trailer. The club members started rolling in on Wednesday, temporarily laying out their exhibits. The engine area is very busy as displays are unloaded. Things begin to take shape after the ropes are set up. Exhibitors have ample room for multiple displays. This club member loves garden tractors. Here Juan Colunga, the instructor of the auto class of the Antelope Union Highschool is supervising students and helping set up their exhibit. The Old Tyme Fiddlers entertained the fairgoers both days of the show. There was a good number of fairgoers throughout the day enjoying the festive music. The featured tractor for the show was this Bullock Creeping Grip owned by Bucky Stevens. The featured engine for the show was this nice Sta Rite owned by Redd Stanberry. This Hercules engine on the wagon was a real beast. There were so many exhibits to be viewed, a gallery of pictures might be appropriate. Richard and his Wife Maureen provided the National Colors for the Pledge of Allegiance on Friday and Saturday.Here the President of EDGETA Jeff’s Wife Glynna talking with fairgoers about her exhibit. The food vendors showed up early to set up. The FFA students from the Antelope Union High school were instrumental in assisting the club to put on the show. With virtually all of the club members demonstrating equipment except the three officers of the club, many more support people are needed to put on a show of this magnitude. Here Sharon, (L) talks to one of our students at the entrance to the showgrounds. Sharon and her Husband Skip come to the Wellton show every year from their home in Alaska. Sharon is the club’s Secretary/Treasurer of Southwest Forgotten Iron Branch 206 of EDGETA. Sharon will retire after this show, and club members all wish Sharon, Skip, and her family all the best in the future.Dan on the grading tractor was very busy keeping the pull track leveled. Down on the pull track, the track crew from Power of the Past, Branch 240 of EDGETA worked hard for the two days of the event. Here a contestant is preparing to hook to the pull sled. Announced to the crowd. BRANCH 206 OWES A DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO SAM (in sweathshirt), AND BRANCH 240 FOR THEIR TIRELESS EFFORTS IN BRINGING THE TRACTOR PULL BACK TO OUR SHOW.Safety is the main job Safety is the main job of the pull track crew. Here, Greg carefully watches as the pull sled is moved forward. Greg is the President of Tucson’s Power From the Past, Branch 240 of EDGETA of the pull track crew. Here, Greg carefully watches as the pull sled is moved forward. Greg is the President of Tucson’s Power From the Past, Branch 240 of EDGETA Here, a student begins to pull the sled, borrowed from Branch 240. The IH Farmall Model H was loaned to all who wanted to pull, but who didn’t have a tractor. Kudos to Sam, for bringing some fun to younger people who are pulling for the first time in their lives.Here, Zane from EDGETA Branch 240 Engine and tractor club aboard the pull sled. Thanks to Bucky and Zane for bringing the tractor sled to the show. Here we see tractors lining up for their next pull. Here, one of the student flaggers gives the green flag to begin pulling.Here Bill, host club SWFI is preparing to pull the Steve MacIntosh Corliss gas engine tractor into line for the tractor demonstration. Jim is helping Bill with his first drive with the tractor.There are many participants that make up an event of this scale. There are no more important partners than the town of Wellton. The City Manager Richard Marsh aboard the Farmall H, learning the shift pattern from Sam before his first tractor pull. The opposite side of the track the club positioned tables and chairs for additional spectators. Thank you RDO Equipment for the tractor (pictured above) used for pulling back the sled.Richard Marsh, the Wellton City Manager was clearly having a great time!Richard Marsh, seen here with Bill Lanier Jr. SWFI President, (L) and the Sheriff. Stay safe, and busy, Bill
Thanks to Bill Lanier Jr. for his contributions to this article.
Story and photos submitted by John Davenport, from Power from the Past tractor club in Tucson, Arizona.
