SOUTHWICK – The Agricultural Commission is hosting the 5th Annual Tractor Rally at the Southwick DPW (Department of Public Works) headquarters on April 27 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The rain date for the event is April 28.
“It’s a celebration of farming,” said Burt Hanson, the Vice-Chairman of the Agricultural Commission.
This is an open to the public event where people are allowed to bring their tractors, old and new, for tractor lovers to view and drive around. In the past, there has been anywhere from 25 to 30 tractors in attendance.
Several tractors are seen on display at last year’s Tractor Rally at the Southwick DPW. (Photo from Agricultural Commission)
“It’s just a nice family, fun event and people learn about farming,” said Hanson.
According to Hanson, along with food vendors, there will also be live music from Whiskey Junction and pony rides available for the children.
For gardening lovers, a plant sale and demonstration from Blossoming Acres will be available as well as a soil demonstration from the Western Massachusetts Master Gardner Association.
Entry to the tractor rally is free and people will be able to buy raffle tickets for a chance to win donated items from individuals throughout the community. Hanson added that it’s unclear at this time what some of the raffle prizes will be.
The proceeds of the raffle tickets goes back to the Agricultural Commission. Since they don’t’ have a budget from the town, the Agricultural Commission relies on donations and fundraisers throughout the year in order to support themselves. There was about $200 in proceeds from the raffle tickets at last year’s tractor rally.
Created at a special town meeting in 2006, the Agricultural Commission promotes agriculture throughout the town by looking at economic opportunities and protecting farmlands among other things.
For questions about the upcoming tractor rally, contact the Southwick Agricultural Commission at 413-569-6907.
