By Alana Mitchelson
Hundreds of Tooradin Tractor Pull spectators watched on until late at night, with organisers proud to host another “successful” event.
The 19th Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show began somewhat muddy on Saturday 21 January, but the ground at Rutter Reserve soon dried out as the sun shone in time for the main events of the day.
Tooradin Tractor Pull president Allyn Reeve said the highlight of the day was without a doubt the tractor pull, which attracted 44 tractors this year.
The sport involves various sized specially-built modified tractors pitting their strength against ‘the sled’, an invention that increases in weight the further it is pulled.
Mr Reeve said the event saw about 4000 spectators through the gates.
“We’re right up there in terms of tractor pull events,” he said.
“We also had 24 vintage tractors that gave a demonstration early on in the day, 77 trucks and 28 cars.”
There were also burnout demonstrations, big rigs Show ’n’ Shine, and a classic car and hot rod display.
Other attractions included helicopter rides, amusement rides, live music, trade stalls and food outlets.
Mr Reeve said the man taking people up for joy rides in the helicopter started at 10am and went on the entire day through to about 8pm.
“We have a lot of families come along. It’s a great family day,” Mr Reeve said.
“It’s a pretty big day for some people. Some come out early and stay late. We had about 1000 people still there watching at the end of the night when we finished a bit after 10pm.
“I had people come up to me and say that they couldn’t wait until next year’s event.”
All proceeds from the not-for-profit event will be ploughed back into local clubs, schools and various charities including the Lions Club, Kooweerup Auxiliary, the local junior football club, Kooweerup Scouts and Kooweerup High School’s human-powered vehicles program.
