A new Farmall tractor is on display from International Harvester to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Behind is a new John Deere tractor on display from Papѐ Machinery in Woodland. Photo courtesy of Candace Taylor

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - The 29th annual Farm and Tractor Days took about four-and-a-half months to prepare but Rio Linda/Elverta Historical Society members are happy planning the event, which will be on May 17 and May 18.

“The event is very educational and you’ll see all the old antique tractors and the hit-and-miss engines,” said Joyce Buckland, Rio Linda/Elverta Historical Society treasurer and event coordinator. “It is our only fundraiser for the year and we rely on it to raise funds to preserve local history.”

 This tractor is a B.F. Avery and is owned by Don and Anita Thomas couple who live in Rio Linda. Anita Thomas is the driver of this tractor, hence the pretty pink color. Photo courtesy of Candace Taylor

The free family-friendly event will be on May 17 and May 18 at the Dry Creek Ranch, 6852 Dry Creek Road in Rio Linda.

Dry Creek Ranch is both historical and a working ranch, according to Buckland. The ranch, which is leased from Sacramento Regional Parks, is home to the Rio Linda/Elverta Historical Society and its museum.

“Come and learn more about agriculture and how farming was done and is still being done today,” Buckland said. “We’re in the process of harvesting the hay crop and just cutting the hay now.”

Farm and Tractor Days is presented in conjunction with Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association, Branch 13.

 This Hit N Miss engine is one of many on display during Farm & Tractor Days. All of the engines on display are in working condition. See them in action during the event. Photo courtesy of Candace Taylor

“It’s definitely a family event," Buckland said.

Children can work on crafts and take home seed plantings. In addition, vendors will sell local crafts and merchandise.

Rio Linda/Elverta Food Closet will sell hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, chips and soda to raise funds for the food closet.

Radio Station ANT-FM will provide deejay music.

The May 18 activities include a swap meet from 7 to 9 a.m. and a tractor parade at 2 p.m.

While admission is free, parking is $3.

Buckland wanted to thank the Farm and Tractor Days sponsors. Sponsors are Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association, Branch 13; River Valley Feed and Pet Supply; Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost; Aerial Lift Service Company; Twin Rivers Unified School District; Future Farmers of America; Steiner Tractor Parts; P.A.T. Ranch; Sacramento Valley Equestrian Patrol; STAC Solutions; International Harvester; International Harvester Collectors, Chapter 13; Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District; and Rio Linda Lions Club.

 This Farmall Model A Highcrop tractor, in original condition, is owned by Robert Facino and shows his patriotism. Photo courtesy of Candace Taylor

Community members can also support the Rio Linda/Elverta Historical Society and its museum at another fundraiser June 5 at Dos Coyotes on Del Paso Road in Natomas. The restaurant will donate 20% of orders from customers who buy food there between 4 and 8 p.m.  

29th annual Farm and Tractor Days

May 17 - School Day

 Gates open at 9 a.m.

 Flag Raising Ceremony – 10 a.m. - Rio Linda High School JROTC

 Crafts for students - all day

 Tractor and Engine display - all day

 Hayrides – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 Farm Animals - Petting Zoo - all day

 Boy Scout activities - all day

 Museum tours - all day

 Food Concession - all day until 2:30 p.m.

 Saturday, May 18 - Community Day

Gates open at 9 a.m.

Flag Raising Ceremony - 10a.m. - Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of America

Welcome and Announcements - 10:15 a.m.

Tractor and Engine display - all day

 Hayrides - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 Boy Scout activities - Pinewood Derby - all day

 Children’s Crafts - at designated booth - all day

 Museum tours - all day

 Food Concession - all day until 2:30 p.m.