One of most anticipated events on the Bendemeer calendar is back, with the Grey Fergie Tractor Muster and Land Rover Gathering starting on Saturday 22 March.
Located at the Bendemeer Sports Ground, the event will feature an impressive collection of vintage Ferguson and Massey Ferguson tractors, with some dating back to the 1950s.
The Grey Fergie Tractor is celebrated at Bendemeer every three years, honouring its revolutionary impact on farming Post WWII.
“Thousands of “Little Greys” were imported into Australia from Coventry, England, replacing the draught horse. 70 years on they are still a working tractor on many farms and are often lovingly restored to their former glory to attend events such as ours.” said Event Secretary Anne Doak.
The event launched from an idea in 2003, to celebrate Bendemeer local, Winston Doak’s Fergie tractor’s 50th birthday and participants were invited from all over Australia. The response was above all expectations, with 155 Little Grey’s participating.
Land Rovers, both new and old will also be on display across the weekend event.
Participants will be arriving from interstate and all over NSW from Wednesday and some are even driving their tractors from as far as Coffs Harbour and Wauchope, arriving on Friday afternoon.
Held across the weekend in March, the event will also feature shearing demonstrations using historic shearing plants, a working blacksmith, stationary machinery and tractors to educate and entertain the public.
Along with the tractor muster, locals will host the iconic Grand Parade down Caroline Street, the main street of Bendemeer on 22 March at 1pm, with an opening ceremony to follow. While markets, live music by Lance Birrell, a free jumping castle and face painting for children will also add to the atmosphere. The signature event costs just $5 for adults, while children under 12 are free and is expected to attract visitors from all over the New England North West, interstate and as far away as Darwin.
“The Grey Fergie Tractor Muster is a wonderful community-led event that increases visitor nights in the region and is estimated to inject more than $273,104 into the local area.” said Tamworth region Visitor Economy Coordinator Linda Bridges.
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with New England Times to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.