UPPER STEWIACKE - Dust, diesel, food and fun were all part of the 10th annual antique tractor pull in Upper Stewiacke on Saturday.
The event, which is one of the biggest pulls in the Maritimes, drew more than 300 people to the small community.
"I take part every year," said Upper Stewiacke resident Ralph MacKenzie. "It's just a fun day. I like the competition and joking around with the other guys."
MacKenzie drove his own 1941 Farmall, as well as a 1953 Cockshutt owned by Frank Woolaver.
Woolaver, who is from Kingsport, brought three tractors and drove the other two himself. He said he has taken part in the pull almost every year and considers it one of the best he has ever attended.
Thirteen-year-old Upper Stewiacke resident Colton Cleveland isn't quite old enough to drive in the pulls - participants must be at least 14 and have their tractor licence. However, he is very involved and considers himself his father's pit crew. The teenager plans to compete next year.
"I enjoy getting to watch the old tractors," he said. "John Deeres are my favourites but it's nice to see them all."
Tim Griffiths travelled from Kentville with his 1962 Farmall and competed in tractor pulls for the first time.
"I bought this last year and I've been working on it ever since," he said. "It's nice to get out and take part in this."
Three trailer loads of tractors came up from the Annapolis Valley, with more than 50 machines registered. Others travelled from as far as Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
"This is our biggest fundraiser for the fire department," explained Phyllis Wright Roberts, one of the organizers. "It's a big community event and with some families there are three generations taking part. The oldest person competing is 80 and we have a couple who are 16."
She said there are also a couple of women who drove in the pulls.
