oak grove pulling trucks and tractors

On the borderlands of the city, the oddly comforting smell of freshly tilled dirt pushed the more acrid stench of the encroaching urban area into the distant recesses of short-term memory for the evening. Diesel and dust would eventually become the dominant fragrance in the vicinity, occasionally interrupted by distinct aroma of burning alcohol. 

A spot midfield, behind the cattle fencing and in front of the announcer booth, offered good fortunate right next to an individual intimately familiar with most of the vehicles and their drivers.  The cheerful character filled us in on expectations and unique rules for the events of the evening, happily answering questions and offering unique insight, mixing it up with a good dose of amicable conversation.

High performance internal combustion engines cycling to explosive levels soon relegated all attempts at conversation to the space between each run occurring over the next several hours.  The machinery in play commanded the attention of all present at ring side as they hauled increasingly heavy loads, sometimes as much five tons, down the earthen track.

This Missouri State Tractor Pullers Association (MSTPA) event stood out as billed, being "Action Packed Family Fun" for several hundred in attendance. Kids hung off the cattle fence like monkeys on a tree, shouting and raising a ruckus for their favorites, or just doing so for the sake of doing so.  Sometimes they ran amuck, enjoying time in the open air of the cooler than usual, but still warm, August evening.  Bleachers offered seating to those without their own chair, pickup bed, or flatbed trailer. Relatively decent food, snacks, and water, at reasonable prices kept the night affordable for everyone.  We look forward to getting out again for certain!

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