The Sixth Annual Antique Tractor, Truck, and Model-T Show takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 14 on the historic brick streets of downtown Jefferson, Texas. This exhibit features more than 100 years of rural American history with vehicles as well as stationary and working antique engines, antique farm machinery, and antique displays depicting such things as blacksmithing, ice-cream making, and corn processing. A swap meet for participants also takes place.
On the Friday before, at 4 p.m. antique tractors, trucks and Model-Ts leave downtown Jefferson for a three-mile ride that traverses the historic district of Jefferson. Spectators are welcome along the route to cheer on the vehicles.
A statement from the Jefferson Tourism Department states, “When you visit Jefferson, you take a journey back through time to a bustling 19th century river port. It was an era of prosperity and wealth, of petticoats and parasols, of Southern grace and romance. Today, Jefferson is a serene but vivacious historic town, a genuine artifact of the thriving riverport town it once was. It is home to numerous state registered historic structures, many of which are also listed on The National Registry of Historic Places.”
The Friday ride ends at Tony’s Pizza, Pasta & More, for a Pizza Party sponsored by promoters Francene and Diamond Don Rainey for registered exhibitors and their immediate families.
The Saturday event includes a Slow Race at 11 a.m. of tractors and model-T’s. The Slow Race is a true test of both machine and driver. A parade of antique tractors, trucks, and Model-T’s takes place at 1 p.m. The event is free of charge for exhibitors, swap meet vendors, and spectators.
Early registration for participants is from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, September 13, on the corner lot next to the General Store. Saturday registration for exhibitors is from 7 to 10 a.m.
RV and tent camping is available at Diamond Don RV Park just a short one mile from Jefferson, on the Big Cypress Bayou. Free showers, rest rooms and dump station are on site. Those with kayaks or canoes can launch from the park and fishing is enjoyable off the banks of the river.
Historic hotel or B&B stays are also conveniently located. Dozens of significant buildings house museums, craft and antique shops and restaurants, many within walking distance of the show. Most of the restaurants accommodate call-in to-go orders. For more information, call City of Jefferson Tourism Department at (903) 665-3733 or visit their website VisitJefferstonTexas.com.
For more information on the tractor show visit diamonddonempire.com or call (903) 445-9796.
