OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
Learning about tractors
As someone growing up in a city and not having any relatives who farmed, my understanding of agriculture is admittedly limited.
Over the past few years, however, writing local stories about farming, whether it has been about crop conditions, farm animals, harvesting or something related to farming has given me a little better understanding as farmers have been patient with me in explaining the various facets of agriculture.
The late Ross Eischens understood my limited knowledge and really explained the nuances of farming in simple terms. Rick Bot has also always been helpful whenever I've thrown a farming question or two at him. Several 4-H kids and their parents have also explained to me how they show their animals and what judges are looking for at the county fair.
Still, I have never worked on a farm and, like many others, we buy our food at the store without giving a thought to all the work that went into it before it reached the store shelves.
Which leads me to this past weekend. I was asked by Kenny and Linda Hennen of Porter to choose the top tractor at their annual Tractor Show as part of the Harvest Festival events in Porter.
The trophy given to the winner was engraved with my name as the person selecting the winner, which only added more pressure to my selection process. I was told to select the one tractor that caught my eye and, in my opinion, stood out among the many tractors at the show.
I took a little time before making my choice, walking through the rows of tractors. There were late and early models, various colors and brands, and some completely rebuilt while others were left in their original shape.
After pondering my decision, I chose a 1946 International Harvester Track Diesel (TD9) that Ron Bauman of Hendricks purchased six years ago. There was not a lick of paint on it, leaving the body to resemble a "ratrod" often seen at car shows. The track on this particular model was metal, unlike the current Caterpillar models of today.
Bauman, a quiet and personable man, got the engine running and is planning to add a scoop on the front in order to move some large rocks.
I appreciate the Hennens allowing me this honor. Their reason for choosing me, they said (after I nervously asked "Why me?") was their appreciation for the Mascot covering this event over the years.
After that, I was given a beautiful engraved crystal plaque from the Hennens that lights up, engraved with my name and appreciation for covering the Tractor Show and Harvest Festival. It is something I will forever cherish.
The people of Porter couldn't have treated me any better. Numerous people noted how much they appreciated the event being covered by the Mascot over the years.
Thanks to all of you for making me feel so welcome. See you next year.
Boe to sign book at Mascot
Gail (Wyffels) Boe, the daughter of Wayne and Kathy Wyffels of Minneota, will be signing copies of her new children's inspirational book called "HAY" on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Mascot during Boxelder Bug Days. The tentative time for her signing will be from noon to 2 p.m.
Boe wrote her first children's book, "Lettuce", two years ago (it is also available at the Mascot office).
Boe and her book "HAY", an acronym for "How are you?", is featured on the front page of this issue of the Mascot.
Both of Boe's hard-cover books have an important message for children, as well as adults.
Bench, raffle at Mascot
The Minneota-Taunton VFW still has squares available for sale on its board in the Mascot office for those wishing to win a beautiful wooden bench that was constructed and donated by John DeSmet. The board is numbered 1-10 vertically and horizontally for a total of 100 squares. Each square you purchase is $5.
The local VFW also has raffle tickets available for purchase at the Mascot and other locations to win cash prizes ranging from $100 to $600. Those tickets are $10 apiece.
Both of the drawings will be held during Boxelder Bug Days weekend.
'Caption This' at Mascot
We are enjoying the various captions submitted for our latest "Caption This" contest. It's free to enter and the photograph to caption has appeared in issues of the Mascot and is also displayed on our front window.
Think of something clever or humorous and drop it off at our office during business hours, or in the black metal box outside our front door when we aren't open.
The top three winners will be announced on Saturday, Sept. 2 during Boxelder Bug Days. The winner will receive a one-year subscription to the Mascot, second place will get a six-month subscription, and third place a three-month subscription.