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Since the Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival began in 1958 there is one event that’s become an annual tradition – the tractor pull.- and one local family has become a big part of its history.
Mike Kenny, 58, now one of the coordinators, has been participating in the tractor pull since he was 16.
But he’s not the only family member who will be part of the festivities.
His father, Don, 89, and uncle Dwayne, 91, will also once again be competing, along with Dwayne’s grandson, John Kenny Jr.
All of them have one thing in common.
“We all pull John Deere’s,” Mike Kenny said. “If we pulled a red tractor we would be kicked out of the family. It’s just in our blood.”
This year’s Maple Syrup Festival is set for April 27-30.
The tractor pull will take place on Saturday, April 29 just west of Little Salt River Park. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with pulling starting at 10 a.m.
There are four classes based on the tractor’s weight.
Since there are normally about 30 entries in each class it can make for some long days, Kenny said.
“We start at 10 in the morning and are still there at 8 or 9 at night,” he added.
Participants get 30 seconds and two attempts to pull the most weight.
“Most of the tractors are modified a little bit to pull on concrete,” Kenny said. “Some get tires off combines or other tractors.”
The winner of each class earns $300.
But money isn’t the reason anyone participates, Kenny noted.
“You can’t even buy the gasoline for that,” he said laughing. “It’s all for bragging rights.”
A number of other local families have been part of the tractor pull for several years including the Willoughbys, Purtills and Loomis’.
“It’s a growing sport,” Kenny said. “There’s a lot of interest.”
For more details regarding the tractor pull call Kenny at 989-560-6589 or Chuck Purtill at 989-621-1412.
For information about all festival activities go online to www.shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org.
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