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Western Farm Show expands popular tractor pull eventBy Susan McCabe It's back and it's bigger. Last year's wildly popular Championship Tractor Pull at the Western Farm Show in Kansas City debuted to such enthusiasm, show officials have extended the event to three days this year. The second annual tractor pull will roar through Kemper Arena with high horsepower intensity Feb. 23 to 25 at 6 p.m. each night. The Western Farm Show, now in its 51st year, has partnered with The Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association in Carthage, Mo., to bring the event to the indoor farm equipment show. Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulling Association President Doug Roberts says the event has expanded to the cheers of eager Western Farm Show attendees. "Our partnership with the Western Farm Show was a huge success last year," says Roberts. "We're anticipating another record crowd again, ready to watch more drivers and 55 different tractors that weren't there last year." This year, says Roberts, 144 drivers and vehicles will compete for $64,000 in prize money. Because of the popularity of the Championship Tractor Pull, officials added a 10th class to the event, Unlimited Super Stock Tractors. Kemper Arena is within easy walking distance from the American Royal Complex, where the Western Farm Show is held. Western Farm Show Manager Ken Dean says tickets to the Championship Tractor Pull can be purchased at the Farm Show. Combining the two events, he says, is a match made in heaven. "Those who come to see the Western Farm Show will want to see the tractor pull. Conversely, those who intended to see the tractor pull will likely stop by the American Royal to check out the largest indoor exhibit of farm equipment in the Midwest." One of the most anticipated features of this year's Championship Tractor Pull is the addition of the 2011 Dutch and Euro Cup Champion, as well as the 2010 and 2011 European Champion. Another highlight of the event, says Dean, is the opportunity Farm Show attendees will have to get an up-close look at all the competing trucks and tractors during the Farm Show. Specifically, the vehicles will be on display at Kemper Arena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25. You must attend the Farm Show to have access to this display. Each of the three nights will feature a different show, says Roberts. Trucks and tractors from the U.S. and Canada will participate. The conclusion of each night's pull will feature an exhibition pull by a big Cat-powered, Peterbilt semi-truck. Throughout the three nights, spectators will have the chance to see two different classes of four-wheel-drive trucks, along with the wheel standing two-wheel-drive trucks. There will be seven different classes of the agriculture-related tractors, from Super Farm Tractors to the Big Pro Stock and Super Stock Tractors. Also returning this year will be the Big Multi-Engine Modified Tractor class. The Western Farm Show is the region's largest indoor display of farm equipment, and is located in the American Royal Complex, next door to Kemper Arena. It is owned and operated by the SouthWestern Association, which represents nearly 1,800 farm, construction, industrial and outdoor power equipment dealers, as well as 2,400 hardware retailers in eight states: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The Western Farm Show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 24 and 25, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 26. More than 500 exhibitors will be on site, as well as The Family Living Center and Health-and-Safety Roundup, geared for the entire family. Admission to the pull is $17 on Thursday, $22 on Friday and $27 on Saturday. This year, Tractor Pull tickets can be purchased on site at the Western Farm Show, and through the Farm Show website. The first 500 kids each night will receive a free checkered flag. Western Farm Show admission is $8, and coupons for $3 off admission are available by visiting a participating SouthWestern Association dealer. Children under 12 get in free. For more information, visit the Western Farm Show website at www.westernfarmshow.com.
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