Sulphur Springs Young Farmers, left to right, Keith Bailey, John Mark McAfee, and
Heath Horton, go over the rules for the 41st Annual Tractor Driving Contest and
Calf Scramble, scheduled for next Tuesday night.

 

Young Farmers Plan 41st Annual
Tractor Driving Contest and Calf Scramble

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

The Sulphur Springs Young Farmers can "lay claim" to being part of the original Hopkins County Fall Festival, back in 1969. And, yes, the Tractor Driving Contest has been a part of the annual County Fair from the very beginning. "We're basically using the very same course that was used in the 1969 FFA Tractor Driving Contest," explained Dannie Johnson, Sulphur Springs Young Farmer Advisor. "The FFA Tractor Driving contest consists of a series of stakes driven in the ground and youth are challenged to maneuver a tractor and trailer through the course, exhibiting their skills in operating and driving a tractor."

"The course was difficult when I was in FFA and continues to be challenging to youth, as they are required to back a trailer, navigate turns, and use tractor safety techniques throughout the contest," explained Young Farmer and Tractor Dealer, Keith Bailey. "The course teaches youth the proper way to operate a tractor, which spells safety on the farm, when they are actually using a tractor for work!"

 

 

 

"We usually have 20 to 25 youth enter the contest," explained Heath Horton. "And, usually the backing of the trailer, separates the 'men from the boys' in the contest!"

"It's a timed event, so points are deducted for errors made in the course, and those points are added to the time," inserted John Mark McAfee. "It's much harder than you might think to take the tractor through the course, and it requires skill to successfully complete the exercise!"

"The Cover Girl Contestants will also be engaged in a timed event, on Tuesday night, also," inserted Bailey. "Their course is designed much easier but is quite challenging for the young ladies that have entered the contest. They aren't required to back a trailer through the obstacle course!"

 

 

 

"And, we'll also be conducting our calf scramble, again this year, for the youth of Hopkins County and the Cover Girl Contestants," explained Dannie Johnson. "It's become a tradition, and an exciting part of the Tuesday night activities at the Hopkins County Fall Festival. The Cover Girl Contestants and the other youth are grouped and challenged to get a ribbon from the tail of a calf, to win a prize!"

"That Civic Center Arena becomes a mighty big place when you are chasing a calf around it," continued Johnson. "And, you've got to be quick in grabbing the ribbon, to win!"

Make plans to be in the Hopkins County Civic Center, beginning at 6:00 on Tuesday night, to join the excitement.

 

 

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