Biggest and best - that's what organisers were hoping for and by all accounts that's what they may have delivered at the Trundle Back In Time on the weekend. The scorching heat - peaking at 38.2 degrees in Parkes and 39.7 at Condobolin, between the two where Trundle sits - didn't deter the crowds that flocked to the Trundle Showground. In excess of 1000 people passed through the gates over the two-days which is on par with the 2023 event. "Considering the day and the heat, I think it was exceptional," said Digger Anderson, one of the event's organisers. The tractors, particularly with the John Deere 100th anniversary celebration and the biennial tractor pull, took centre stage as they do most years. More than 100 tractors were registered for the pull this year, this figure up on previous years and another 50 or more were on display. Two sleds were operating instead of the one during the tractor pull to help run the event smoother and faster, and classes were split over the days to allow visitors to see more of a range of tractors in action, especially if they were only there for one day. It was also the first time there was a precious parade for tractors deemed too valuable or those who didn't want to risk any damage, giving participants a chance to show them off and visitors to enjoy them more. "[It was] terrific, it was an outstanding success," Digger said of the event. "Thank you to all of the volunteers, they came out of the woodwork to help out. "Even some from West Wyalong and Temora came to help." There was so much happening with other activities as well taking place on Saturday, the main day and Sunday, like car and engine displays, sheaf toss, markets, kids entertainment and ending Saturday night with some live music. And there was a miniature steam engine tractor taking people for rides on its trailer which proved very popular. Digger said the stationary engines on display has really grown, in previous years it's only had a few people involved. "This year both compounds were full to the point they had to rearrange themselves which is a good little bonus," he said. The day was also a great opportunity to catch up with friends, particularly at the showground's new multipurpose building featuring a wide sheltered verandah and indoor bar and kitchen. The finishing touches to the building only just arrived in time too with the new television arriving and installed the week prior and the bar tables donated from the community arriving the day before. "It was great to have the live screening of the tractor pull for those who stayed in the clubhouse/bar which was a big plus," Digger said. More stories and photos from this year's Trundle Back In Time appear in this week's Champion Post, 20 March and on our website.
