Things get a little muddy at tractor pull

MILLERTON — The Millerton Fire Department sponsored its 14th annual Antique Tractor Pull Saturday, June 27, at Eddie Collins Field.

The event started in 1994, according to Patti Lynch, a member of the fire department. There are more than a dozen weight classes, from 2,500 to 11,500 pounds, based on the size of the tractors, which to be eligible must be made before 1960. The tractors then compete within their weight classes to pull a certain amount of weight the farthest.

The tractor pull raises a significant amount of money for the fire department, as the cost of entrance is $15 per pull. Food was also being cooked by members of the fire department. Along with the block dance, to be held later in the summer, the pull is one of the department’s biggest fundraisers.

Competitors showed up from far and wide to take part in the competition. One enthusiast from Pennsylvania got up at the crack of dawn to bring his tractor over.

“I think we put on a good pull,� said Jay Scasso, known as the “backbone� of the tractor pull. “We’re known to have a nice setup, and we pull stock and enhanced [tractors].�

Just then the clouds opened and a light rain began to come down.

“This isn’t going to be good for the track,� Scasso acknowledged, but there was no way a little bad weather was going to get in the way of a good time. Those watching the event simply pulled out their umbrellas, and the next tractor lined up, revving its engine eagerly.