FFA Tractor Driving Contest
Names Winners

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Cover Girls competed prior to the FFA and 4-H Youth.

 

Memories abounded for members of the audience on Tuesday night as the Annual FFA Tractor Driving Contest got underway. Sponsored by the Sulphur Springs Young Farmers, the event was one of the original items in the first Hopkins County Fall Festival, back in 1969.

Local 4-H and FFA Members competed in driving a tractor through the very same course that was designed over 40 years ago, and it hasn't gotten any easier.

"But, maybe the kids are getting more skilled," allowed Keith Bailey, with Bailey Tractor, who furnished the tractor and has helped with the contest for over 20 years. "This is the first time I remember no one knocking down a pole, and the Cover Girls even managed to complete the fete in their contest!"

 

 

"Hopefully this is  sign that we're putting more skilled drivers on the road," continued Bailey. "And, it certainly makes it easier on the Young Farmers, so they aren't constantly driving stakes back in the ground!"

Tuesday night's event featured a large group of youth competing in the contest, following the Cover Girl segment of the event.

Enjoy the following photos and the announcement of the winners:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009 Winners in the 40th Annual Contest included, left to right, 1st place, Adam Baxter,
2nd Place Caleb Frazier, and 3rd place Luke Smith.