Antique Tractor Show Celebrates Legacy and Honors Local Machines at Thomas County Fair

Under sunny skies on Wednesday, July 23, you could find generations worth of memories in the vintage pieces of equipment sitting outside the 4-H building at the Thomas County Fairgrounds as a cherished tradition rolled on — the Antique Tractor Show.

The annual event, what used to be a cornerstone of the Thomas County Fair, brought together vintage machinery enthusiasts from across the region, who proudly showcased the history and stories tied to their iron giants. While the event has seen a dip in participation over recent years, organizers and attendees alike expressed hope that renewed outreach and a focus on youth involvement will breathe new life into the show.

“We’re trying to bring in younger generations to appreciate this history,” said longtime participant and event supporter Lynn Goossen. “It’s more than just the machinery — it’s the stories and the families behind them.”

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Each tractor was presented by its owner, who offered a personal narrative about the origin, restoration, and significance of the machine. From family heirlooms to unexpected finds, the stories were as diverse as the paint jobs.

Caleb Mattix shared the emotional journey of restoring a tractor originally purchased by his father in the early 1990s. The restoration process, which had been paused for over a decade, was finally completed this year — a tribute to his late father who passed in September. “It was just sitting in a box until we got it back out and brought it to Colby. Lindberg helped me get it running again. This one meant the most to me,” he said.

One showpiece came with a multi-state history: a tractor that traveled from Kansas to Florida and back before being passed down to a close family friend of Goossen’s. The emotional thread ran deep, especially with stories like the 40-10 John Deere — bought with optimism, restored with patience, and representing an iconic leap forward in American tractor design.

The judge Darrel Dible, a familiar and respected figure at the show, awarded the top honors. The Grand Champion title went to Caleb’s Minneapolis tractor, not only for its meticulous restoration but for the heartfelt history behind it. “It’s pretty special, and we wouldn’t have gotten it done if it weren’t for Gary,” said Caleb, reflecting on what the tractor meant to his family.

Reserve Grand Champion was awarded to the rare John Deere 5010 — a towering piece of machinery that underwent a costly and extensive engine restoration. Its rarity and connection to agricultural innovation made it a standout of Goossen’s several in pieces in the show.

“All tractors received ribbons,” Dible announced, “but those two carried a little something extra in their stories.”

As the event wrapped up with a photos and complimentary lunch for participants courtesy of the Thomas County Fair Board, many left already looking toward next year. Organizers encouraged attendees to invite others and “bring three friends — or three more tractors.”

“I love old tractors,” one exhibitor noted. “They represent where we’ve been and how far we’ve come.”

With a renewed emphasis on passing down stories and skills, the Antique Tractor Show hopes to keep rolling strong for generations to come.