2022 Stockbridge Annual Tractor Show: Stockbridge celebrates its farming roots

Photos by Judy Williams

Pastor Scott Castle presides over the memorial services for this year’s fallen farmers.  “God bless farmers and the essential role they play in our community,” stated Castle. “We can get along without the famous sport stars, but we cannot get along without our hard-working farmers.”

The family of Jamie Bollinger with his memorial plaque.

The family of Pastor Bob Castle with his memorial plaque. Although not a farmer, Pastor Bob was always at the ready with his farm related blessings.

FFA student, Chase Sommer, displays the memorial plaque dedicated to Don Keiser.

Pidd family members with the Bill Pidd memorial plaque.

Mick Watters presents the James Zeitz plaque.

Left to right: FFA representatives Bella Eccleton and Megan Mackinder along with Dan Young, Mick Watters, and Gordon Taylor with sign thanking the event sponsors.

Event Committee members (left to right): Bev Smith, Bella Eccleton (FFA), Megan Mackender (FFA), Lynn Osborne, Kim Smith, Al DeCroix, Marti Bliss, Hunter Pidd (FFA), Chase Sommer (FFA), and Pat Salow. Front: Keith Grosshans.

Keith Grosshans (left) accepts an engraved glass from Kim Smith for keeping our farming history alive through his work restoring antique tractors.

The event provided plenty of entertaining activities for kids of all ages.

Blacksmiths have always played an integral role in keeping farm implements up and running.

Steve Hopkins, from nearby Mason, demonstrates his skills on the lathe.

When you think “chainsaw” you don’t typically think “art,” but these carvings demonstrate the tool’s flexibility.

Mick Watters, along with two of his grandsons, show off one of the newest tractors at the event.

Grant Bollinger dumps water in the Waterloo Boy, one of the oldest tractors on display. Family members Marci and Teri Bollinger are on hand to supervise.

From big to small and old to new, the tractors on hand ran the gamut.

After seeing the real things, tractors at the toy store may not quite measure up.

120-year-old Russell steam engine owned by Keith Grosshans driven by daughter Beth.

Larry Middlebrook arrives at the tractor show in style in his 1928 Model A Ford.

Making the most of this day that celebrates agriculture and automation, Pat and Karen Salow arrive in a 1925 Ford.

FFA members earning money for their club projects.

3 & 4 Year Old Pedal Pullers

Melanie Bennett, 1st place.

Maggie Topping, 2nd place.

Avery Wilcox, 3rd place.

Emelia Smith, 4th place.

Brogan Floyd, 1st place.

Wesley Scharphan, 2nd place.

Wyatt Craft, 3rd place.

Brooks Kies, 3rd place tie.

Brooks Kies, 4th place.

5 & 6 Year Old Pedal Pullers

Dani Craft, 1st place.

Levi Bennett, 1st place.

Brantley Noll, 2nd place.

Lane Topping, 3rd place.

Lane Topping, 4th place.

Mikey Marks, 5th place.

7 & 8 Year Old Pedal Pullers

Mackenzee Topping, 1st place.

Harper Kies, 2nd place.

Gunner Wilcox, 1st place.

Gerald Salow, 2nd place.

9 & 10 Year Old Pedal Pullers

Berttee Noll, 1st place.

Mitchell Topping, 1st place.

Dylan Smith, 2nd place.

11 & 12 Year Old Pedal Pullers

Lilly Topping, 1st place.

Tractors on Parade