ALVORDTON: August 9, 2014: Kunkle Farms on the edge of Alvordton threw open their fields on August 9 for local tractor enthusiasts and farmers to demonstrate their equipment and machines from yesteryear, and enjoy a few rounds in the field turning over some soil. Alvordton’s traditional “Plow Days” invites owners of older model tractors to bring their implements and out and demonstrate in the field technology from days long gone by. Tractors 40 years old and older are invited to the annual festival to showcase 1960’s or older models and beyond simply displaying their equipment; participants hit the field and turn some ground.
During planting and harvesting season here in Williams and Fulton County, a drive through the countryside observing work in our local fields, it is easy to see that the modern equipment doing the work stands in stark contrast to the machines that were “top of the line” just 4 decades ago. Today’s farm equipment is advanced with enhanced technology, built for maximum efficiency in both fuel standards and ability to handle the latest most efficient implements that save both time and labor. Additionally, safety standards have made leaps and bounds with fully enclosed cabs featuring A/C and internal controls that allow the operator to control and monitor everything from the cab. Many of the tractors working the field at the “2014 Plow Days” stand in stark contrast to today’s machines, with open seating and implements that required multiple rounds compared to the job today’s equipment accomplishes. Most of the older model tractors on display stood out uniquely with their signature engines belching and laboring up and down the field in a display of their capabilities, operated by young and old alike.
This year’s celebration, in addition to the plowing, included a Car Show where local car enthusiasts displayed their rides at the United Brethren Church and competed for various door prizes throughout the day. The Firehouse also threw open their doors and hosted a Chicken BBQ for visitors and attendees of this year’s festivities. Capping off the day’s activities, the Legion riders of Northwest Ohio hosted a poker run from the fire station and returned for a Patio Party with food, drink and entertainment.