For 25 years, the Tri-County Antique Tractor Club has worked to help the community and promote the history of tractors. Club President Richard Hawkins Sr. said, “We aren’t a large group, but our members love and care about our communities and the people who live there.”
Their latest project has the club participating in Old Independence Regional Museum’s Christmas Family Day with an antique tractor holiday display on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “I’ve even heard old Santa might stop by for photos — he’s a big fan of antique tractors,” Hawkins said.
An assortment of the club’s tractors will be on display in the street in front of the museum. Club members will be on hand to talk about their machines and spread a little holiday cheer. “We participate in various events in our communities throughout the year, including parade appearances, tractor pulls and local shows,” Hawkins noted.
He continued, “At the museum event, the crowd will be given free tickets to vote for their favorite tractor.” The tractor with the most tickets at the end of the program will be awarded a Crowd Favorite Trophy sponsored by Jodi Barber, Independence County Farm Bureau agent.
In addition to their public appearances, the club also gives back to their communities through fundraising efforts for food banks in multiple counties. Hawkins explained, “We take old antique tractors and do the work to restore them. Then we sell raffle tickets to give away the tractor once it’s been restored. We believe it’s a great way to give back to our community while preserving these hardworking machines of the past.”
Club meetings are held on the first Tuesday evening of each month. “We get the club business out of the way, then have a good visit with each other,” Hawkins said. Meetings are held at various locations. “Our meetings are open to the public, and we invite anyone with an interest in antique tractors to attend. For more information about attending a meeting, contact me at 870-384-1667,” Hawkins noted.
Image provided by the Tri-County Antique Tractor Club
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