Love and tractors for Grange event!

LOVE was in the air in Grange last Sunday afternoon for the annual Valentine’s Tractor Run.

The fundraiser for the North Sligo Agricultural Show drew crowds from near and far to both take part and spectate at the event.

Tractors of all shapes and sizes were on show much to the delight of onlookers, especially the younger ones.

At. 1.30pm the cold weather was forgotten as the tractors set off in convoy along the set route before returning for much needed refreshments in Moran’s Bar.

PRO for the North Sligo Agricultural Show John Feeney explained how the committee came up with the idea for the event.

“This is the third year. It was a good idea and a fun way of making money and everyone seemed to be interested in it,” said John.

He said the event was getting bigger every year with 55 tractors taking part last year and even more this year.

The group is now busily preparing for the 71st North Sligo Agricultural Show which will take place on Saturday August 5. The day will be one not to miss with music once again this year by Gerry Guthrie.

Owing to the successful relocation of last year’s show it will be once again held at Gilroy Tiling. “We did a lot of work on the site last year and it was a fantastic improvement,” said John. He said that interest in the annual show is only increasing. “It’s going well and every year it is getting better and better,” said John.

The day was not without its rewards and a number of prizes were awarded to those who took part. The prize for the Cleanest Working Tractor went to Bryan Watters while Pat Hennigan took the prize for the Best Dressed Farmer.

Zara Grimsmore from Ballyshannon was deemed Best Dressed Female while the prize for Most Romantic Couple went to Andrew Nicholson and Sarah Stevenson.

Anthony Gillen had the closest guess of how many balloons there were in the tractor outside Moran’s Bar. His guess of 190 was the closest to the correct answer of 197 and earned him the prize.

A great afternoon was enjoyed by all and all eyes are now on August for the next North Sligo Agricultural Show.

William Anderson and Zara Densmore at the Valentines Tractor Run in aid of the North Sligo Show in Grange last Sunday. Below: Tractors taking part in the Valentine’s Tractor run in Grange.