Tractor People

I went to an antique tractor show this past weekend. The Mid Michigan Old Gas Tractor Association had their annual convention outside of Oakley. Old tractor shows come with the territory when you live in a region that generates most of its revenue off the land. If you've never been to one I can recommend the experience... that is if you find yourself in some region where they have such things. But I'll warn you right up front:

       1.)  They're not easy to find. They hold these things in the middle of nowhere so there's plenty of room to, well, play with old tractors.

       2.)  Some visitors, especially the male type, are likely to come away thinking they need a tractor.

With those two warnings understood I'll tell you what's great about tractor shows: people. The people who attend tractor shows are-- similar to those at car and airplane shows-- nice people who are all about enjoying their hobby.  What I really enjoy seeing though are the typical farmers and the farm families: the old, the young, the young farm couples. They're all out spending a weekend in the sun enjoying their heritage and the tractors that have made it all possible. The asshole quotient at an antique tractor show appears to be zero. Even the idiot quotient seems impossibly low given all the moving equipment, noise, and activity.

Farming can be a lonely business. You don't check into an office filled with co-workers. Many times the only talking one does is to swear at a piece of equipment... or the weather. It's not that often you get to socialize with others in the business-- it's almost never that you have a day or two away from the farm. A tractor show offers just that opportunity. It's mid-August, the wheat is off, the beans and corn are on hold for a few more weeks: You go, you hang out, you talk tractors, and about as dressed up as you'll see anyone is wearing a clean Farmall, Allis-Chalmers, or John Deere tee shirt and matching cap.

It's about as authentic old-time Americana as you'll find these days. No big sponsor tents. No celebrities. (Unless you want to count the several old time bluegrass bands that play off in one corner of the grounds. Average member age? I'm guessing 70+.) No big flashy beverage sponsor. No official snack food, soft drink, outfitter, or supplier. Just crafts, charity sponsored food vendors, and tractors.

Not a bad way to spend a day. If you can find the place.