Rochester was full of tractors over the weekend as the 15th annual Fulton County Historical Power Show was going on. The event, put on annually, had John Deere tractors as the feature this year. Dale Smith of Rochester, and his family were this years featured farm. Smith brought his brand new, 2017 Gold Key John Deere tractor to the show to be on display.
The show was started by Dan Peters and Kenny Boyd in Fulton County after the power show in Bourbon, was closed. A new club was formed and the historical show was started. The rest is history.
The show has thrived for the last 15 years, including playing host to the National Allis Show in 2016. Attendance was up just from that show alone. This year, the show had 201 tractors.
President Tucker Thayer has overseen the show for the last six years and without his board, he said this event would not be possible.
"Without the board, none of this would happen. I'm very fortunate to have the board that I do," Thayer said.
With a board of 13 members, Thayer has had success as president and has been able to grow the show.
According to Thayer, the average attendance of the event is between 850 to 1,500 people. Because John Deere was the feature this year, the Johnny Popper club was also in attendance. The club is comprised of John Deere enthusiasts with many of the members attending the power show for the first time over the weekend.
The event is put on each year to show the interest of the antique tractor enthusiasts as well as show off the hobby, according to Thayer. "It's a bit of a lost art," said Thayer. "We do this to show younger people how it used to be." It is also a fun event that Thayer and others enjoy.
As for the featured farm, Smith Family Farms is located in Rochester, where they farm grain and vegetables. Dale along with his two sons and four grandsons all farm together.
"I'm very fortunate," Smith said.
Smith brought along three antique tractors to the show, as well as his new Gold Key.
Smith grew up on a farm and married his wife, Millie, who was a farm girl. He has been farming for 63 years and is still going today. Ironically, the first tractor Smith bought was in 1955 when he bought a red Super M. It was prominently displayed during the show.
As for future planning, the 2018 show is already being planned. The board usually plans about four years out. The 2018 show will be held the third weekend in June; June, 15-17, in Fulton County at the Historical Museum located off of U.S. 31.
The club is also always looking for new members. To become a member, contact the museum and attend the monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month.