General News
29 March, 2024
Tractor Pull on this Easter long weekend
The Easter Tractor Pull is to be held again.
The Easter Tractor Pull is to be held again at the Coo-ee Memorial Park. The event has remained a popular attraction over the Easter weekend for 20 years, hosted by Gilgandra Tractor and Machinery Club, and supported by the Country Women’s Association, the Lions Club, residents, and more. Last year’s Tractor Pull was a huge success, bringing over 400 people together for markets, games, and entertainment. The event was complemented by the CWA markets, a Lions Club barbecue, and several attractions including the children-versus-tractor tug-of-war, and vintage machinery on display.
This year, the Tractor Pull promises various stalls and swap meets to attract locals and those beyond Gilgandra. Other activities on the day will include chaff cutting, and a shearing demonstration. Making a return will be the mini tractor pull and children’s tug-o-war. For those interested, vintage and antique vehicles will be on display. Other small attractions, such as a petting zoo, are expected. Of course, there is the main event – the titular Tractor Pull, and grand parade.
Secretary of the Gilgandra Tractor and Machinery Club, Alan Smith, explained how the competition is run. “As the tractor moves forward, it operates a winch system and increases the weight of the sled,” he said. “As a result, the further down the track the tractor gets, the harder it is to pull. “Eventually you get to the end of the track, and it’s a ‘full pull’, or the sled gets too heavy, and the tractor stalls. “You measure the distance, and the tractor who had the longest distance or pulled the most weight, wins.” Club president Ally Prout expects another great event this year, built on the many years of experience running past events. “So long as the kids have something to do, and the parents are happy, it’s a success,” he said.
