Central PA tractor festival showcases agriculture to community

SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Tractors old and new took a ride outside of their barn doors and were presented to the public on Thursday.

The 23rd Annual Stoystown Antique Tractor Festival brought tractor enthusiasts from around the Northeast region to Somerset County to show off their rides. Gates opened at 10 a.m. Thursday morning to the public. Attendees got a chance to see the history of many different tractor brands.

“It’s a big-time thing for our little community,” Bob Weyand, Stoystown Tractor Club member said.

Every year, the club votes on one tractor to be Tractor of the Year. This year, the Friends of Massey came into town to celebrate their tractor being the winner at this year’s festival.

With visitors from West Virginia and Ohio entering the fold, money is to be made to help support the Stoystown community. With food stands and basket raffles, the money aids the local Lion’s Club.

“They donate to different organizations,” Weyand said. “And it helps our community and other people’s communities too.”

Other than the financial contributions, each person brings in stories and knowledge of each tractor. It can range from how they restored it, when it was bought, or why they kept it.

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“You’d be surprised where you might find them,” Weyand said. “Maybe in a barn that’s getting torn down. Somebody doesn’t realize what they have in their barn. It’s really neat to restore a tractor.”

The festival rolls through the weekend, ending with a Tractor Square Dance on Sunday.

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