Tractor Square Dancing: Farm Show Madness

This year's 2009 Pennsylvania Farm show has added a new and crazy event to it roster. Besides the 700 pound butter display that shouldn't be missed perhaps you would be interested in the tractor square dancing event where the tractors actually do the dancing. Farmers display their tractor skills in the arena dressed in bonnets, dresses and overhauls. Their tractors are brightly colored and decorated with accessories such as umbrellas. Old fashioned tractors go axle to axle in a chorus line creating a slow and boring dance. The partners work together to coordinate their calls in unison. It's a true demonstration of teamwork. They usually have a given name for their tractors and make up characters for the drivers. It is sometimes a couple's sport where the farmer's wives get in on the fun. This has to be by far the weirdest event I've seen so far at the Farm show complex.

Tractor square dancing is actually nothing new to the scene. It started back in the 1950s in Iowa. Since then the act has been copied several times using different show themes and restored tractors from the 1940s and 50s. Some of these events are even televised and groups and clubs have been formed. It's amazing what unique and weird games and events people will come up with next. Don't let the shenanigans fool you though; this is a learned skill as the antique tractors are hard to shift. Not just any tractor is used as farmers break out their prized barn kept possessions. Most of these tractors are brand-name collector's items that are only used for this entertaining event. There are groups formed all over the United States performing every year but 2009 is the first time they made their appearance in Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Tractors promenade in a circle around and around. It is become almost like a clown act at state fairs around the country. It's pretty much like a regular square dance where farmers let their hair down and have fun. Every year farmers enter contests to see whose tractor has the best dance moves. Mostly people think it's simply a case of people not having enough to do with their time. It's definitely not everyone's cup of tea but the Farm show crowds seem to like it and keeps cheering them on. So here's to all of you tractor square dance lovers out there, "Steer your tractor round and round, shift it into gear and go to town." Yee-ha!