Hosted by the Rio Linda Historical Society, the two-day event will take place May 15-16 at Dry Creek Ranch, 6852 Dry Creek Road. Photo courtesy of the Rio Linda Historical Society

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - The rumble of vintage engines and the scent of fresh hay will return to Rio Linda as the Farm and Tractor Days celebrates its 31st year, offering visitors a hands-on look at agricultural history.

Hosted by the Rio Linda Historical Society, the two-day event will take place May 15-16 at Dry Creek Ranch, 6852 Dry Creek Road. The free event runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and features vintage tractors, demonstrations, hayrides, live music, food and family activities. Parking is a $2 donation.

Organizers say the event is more than entertainment, it is also the society’s primary annual fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting maintenance of the ranch and its programs.

“People should know this is our annual fundraiser, our only fundraiser of the year,” said Joyce Buckland, treasurer and membership representative for the Rio Linda Historical Society. “It’s a fun way for people to see tractors and engines. We have a lot on display showing how farming used to be done, and in some cases how it is still done.”

Buckland said the event also serves an educational purpose, especially for younger visitors.

“It’s good for children to learn how farming is done,” she said.

Each day will begin with a 10 a.m. flag-raising ceremony led by local Junior ROTC students and Boy Scouts. Throughout the grounds, visitors can view antique farm equipment, tour the ranch house museum and visit hands-on displays featuring historic and modern agricultural practices.

The event also includes food service provided by the Rio Linda/Elverta Food Closet, which offers breakfast and lunch options during the event.

“The profits go to running the ranch, it’s totally nonprofit and volunteer-run,” Buckland said. “One hundred percent of the profit goes to society expenses. The food closet provides food, and the museum is open both days. There is a lot of history to be seen,” said Buckland.

Friday’s schedule includes school-focused programming, hayrides, vendor booths and a tractor parade at 2 p.m. The museum will host an open house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday features a swap meet beginning at 7 a.m., additional museum tours, another tractor parade at 2 p.m., a raffle at 3 p.m. and all-day activities including gem mining, crafts, a petting zoo and live entertainment.

“It’s just a fun event!” Buckland said. “Come with family and friends. Come and learn more about the society.”

Sponsors include a range of local businesses, agricultural organizations and community partners such as Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association, Branch 13; Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez; River Valley Feed & Pet Supply; Aerial Lift Service Company; Twin Rivers Unified School District; Future Farmers of America; Steiner Tractor Parts; Sacramento Valley Equestrian Patrol; International Harvester; Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District; Rio Linda Lions Club and Splash Soda.

Organizers say Farm and Tractor Days continues to grow as both a community gathering and a way to preserve Rio Linda’s agricultural heritage while supporting ongoing operations at Dry Creek Ranch.