Model train display inside the Chester Railway Station Museum. (Photo by Amy Porter)
CHESTER – Saturday was a beautiful day for the 29th annual Chester on Track, showcasing the historic Chester Railway Station Museum, and featuring a parade through town, vendors, craftspeople, classic cars and tractors.
Tractor puller Elizabeth Massa had her fully restored 1946 Farmall H parked on Main Street following the parade. Massa said she pulls it in the 4500 and 6000 enhanced class, and also pulls five classes in her bigger 1940 Farmall M.
Tractor puller Liz Massa and her 1946 Farmall H, “Sophie,” named after her 98 year old grandmother. (Photo by Amy Porter)
In her fourth year of tractor pulling, Massa, a licensed plumber, said she has been #2 all-around in Western Mass. for the past couple of years. This year she is gunning for the #1 puller from Williamsburg.
“I am going to beat him this year,” Massa said.
Massa said the parade this year was the biggest one she had seen, led by 2019 Parade Marshals Frank and Phyllis Donovan, who rode in Curtis Bush’s 55 Chevy Bel Air convertible.
Vendors show their wares at the 29th annual Chester on Track Sat. May 18. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Other highlights of Chester on Track included Civil War re-enactors, and a rubber duck race down the West branch of the Westfield River to benefit the Chester Fire Department.
Breakfast and lunch were served out of the 100-year old Blue Caboose. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Inside the 1841 Chester Railway Station Museum, a train show featured model train displays and vendors. Outside a stage was set up for live music throughout the day, featuring Peter, Paul and Butch, the Pitoniak Bros., Lulu and Shoemaker’s, and the Franklin’s.
Breakfast and lunch were served out of the 100-year old Blue Caboose parked next to the station.
Chester on Track is partially funded by grants from the Chester Cultural Council, a local agency, the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, and the Mass Festival Grant Program.
