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After the 10th Annual Santa Paula Labor Day Parade almost 2,000 visitors came to the Agriculture Museum to enjoy the Vintage Tractor Fair where the early days of farming was celebrated by the display of machines owned by members of the Topa Topa Flywheelers. |
2nd Annual Vintage Tractor Fair at Ag Museum draws almost 2,000 for ‘farmy’ fun
September 05, 2014
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Anne Shilton Graumlich had to use three counters to keep track of those coming into the Ventura County Agriculture Museum for the 2nd Annual Vintage Tractor Fair.
Already at 1,200 visitors and counting, “... this is just for the front door,” she added.
All in all the Limoneira Co. sponsored Labor Day Vintage Tractor Fair drew almost 2,000 visitors from throughout Ventura County who first attended the downtown 10th annual traditional parade saluting all that work and then following the museum’s float - the last entry - to the show, featuring early farming machines owned by dozens of Topa Topa Flywheelers members.
The exhibit and special attractions, including music by the Cruise Knights, was free and it was only $5 for the Kids Fun Zone that included miniature tractor races and a Petting Zoo.
“Did you see the baby yak?” asked Museum Director Kevin Genovese, “it’s pretty cute... “
There was a Pie-Eating Contest that found “More people than I thought would enter,” facedown in a delicious Marie Callender’s creation.
Museum Educator Anne Thille was working with a dozen children using an interactive display; the kids were having so much fun they didn’t even realize they were learning about agriculture while nearby the glass beehive in an area with a colorful mural drew adults and children.
Outside there were gourmet food vendors, a Garman’s Beer Garden, Face Painting and the dozens of Topa Topa Flywheelers tractors, ranging from avocado green and lemon yellow John Deeres to a red Farmall Cub, manufactured by International Harvester.
Each member such as Bob Vogel of Santa Paula was more than happy to answer questions about their machines that represent the early days of farming using equipment with engines, the flywheel type mechanism that garnered the club its name.
Suzanne Soprano, museum visitor services associate, said the Vintage Tractor Fair was much like last year’s but “Even bigger. Everyone really enjoys it!” including those visitors browsing the heavily stocked museum store featuring dozens of unique items, from jewelry and art to scarves and gourmet honeys and exotic flavored olive oils.
Wendy Lewiston said she and her family came from Camarillo last year to attend the Labor Day Parade, heard about the Vintage Tractor Fair, came and was hooked.
“Yes, we’re back again,” she said with a laugh. “And just like last year between the parade and this tractor fair it’s been a complete blast!”
For more information about the museum, call 805-525-3100 or visit the webpage, www.venturamuseum.org. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Future Farmer of America: This young boy meant business when he took part in the Tractor Race at the 2nd Annual Vintage Tractor Fair held at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum on Railroad Avenue. |
