General News
23 February, 2024
Vintage to be word of the day
LISMORE’S machinery enthusiasts will be turning back the clock this weekend for the third annual Vintage Machinery Display and Vintage Tractor Pull at the Lismore Showgrounds.
The event will run over both Saturday and Sunday at the Seymour Street showgrounds, with gates opening at 9am on both days.
Western Plains Machinery Preservation Group Inc. member Stephen Ringe said people with an interest in old machinery will be pleased with what will be on offer.
“It basically showcases the machinery and tractors from another, older time when machinery was just starting to make its way into farming practices,” he said.
“We have static displays of machinery that people can look at, and we also conduct a tractor pull.
“This involves the use of a sled, and the tractor’s hooked up to the sled; each time the tractor pulls the sled, weight is added to create friction until it becomes too hard for the tractor to pull.
“It becomes a competition between the fellas as to their tractor’s horsepower.”
Machinery on display will include tractors, harvesters, wool pressers, stationary engines and even grain crushers.
Toys, tools and other antiques will also be on display throughout the day.
Mr Ringe said there will be returning favourites this year.
“This year, we’ve got a traction engine coming in from Bellarine Peninsula. That’s a 1908 steam traction engine, which did a display driving a saw bench last year,” he said.
“We also have classic cars and trucks.
“For the first time, we’ll be doing a shearing demonstration.”
Mr Ringe said the weekend event is an opportunity for machinery fans to come together.
“It’s just a weekend for people who have an interest in old machinery and cars and trucks to bring their items to display and use them,” he said.
“Hopefully we can educate and show people how things were done in the old days.
“It brings the community together, and hopefully injects a bit of economic prosperity, just bring a bit of money into the community.”
Entry is $5 per person, with free entry for exhibitors, children and tractor pull competitors.