SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Agricultural Commission is hosting a good ‘ol fashioned Tractor Rally this weekend to celebrate spring, agriculture, and the town’s farming history.
Agricultural Commission Chairperson Jocelyn Linnekin said the Commission was on sabbatical for several years but now has a full contingent of members who are active in the community.
“We wanted to have a public event to promote agriculture in the community and call attention to the fact that the Agricultural Commission is back,” said Linnekin.
The event is set for 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Westfield River Brewing Co., 707 College Highway, on Saturday.
The Tractor Rally will be similar to a car show, but with tractors.
Linnekin said she has always had an appreciation for tractors.
“I’m fascinated with farming tractors,” she said. “I have no mechanical aptitude for them, but I think they’re pretty.”
Linnekin did not grow up on a farm but she considers herself an “outdoorsy gal” and enjoys hiking, horseback riding and gardening. Her affinity for farms grew when she moved to Southwick in late 2006 and purchased an old farm.
“I don’t farm, but I have chicken, sheep and horses,” she said.
Linnekin enjoys exploring the old barn on her property, which came with some treasures in the form of old tools, including hand-forged iron tools.
“There’s nothing like good old American iron,” she said.
Since she’s not a farmer, Linnekin said figuring out what the antique tools were used for was a challenge and she has been able to use many of the tools with her livestock. She is using some of her own tool collection, as well as items borrowed from the Southwick Historical Society, for a “Mystery Antique Tool Quiz” Saturday.
The Commission selected the brewery as its location for several reasons, not the least of which is its history as a dairy barn.
“It’s a beautiful example of a New England barn,” said Linnekin. “And they have done a beautiful job restoring and repurposing it – and we love that they’re growing hops in the back. They are still growing there, which is a great example of modern farming.”
The free event is family-friendly and Linnekin said she expects the Tractor Rally will be fun for people of all ages. Local 4-H members will be on-hand with several animals to pet, and local vendors will offer baked goods.
In case of heavy rain, the Tractor Rally will be held Sunday, April 26 from 12-4 p.m.
