June 27, 2017 – West Bend, WI – Many of us are familiar with the words of Joe Diffie’s hit song “John Deere Green” that came out in 1993, the year the Wisconsin Antique Power Reunion was chartered. Both remain as hits today as 2017 marks the 24th year of W.A.P.R. Annual Tractor Show.
Each year club members invest countless hours in the complete restoration of a tractor model that will be the feature for the following year’s show. This year, the feature is John Deere. Taking hold of the wrench on this year’s restoration, member Bill Hinkley, a John Deere enthusiast at heart, completely disassembled this tractor, tended to a few mechanical concerns, then prepared sheet metal to be painted by Obermeyer Auto Body of Allenton, WI. after painting the frame himself. A remarkable restoration has left this tractor looking better than new.
Speaking of new, this year’s 1958 John Deere 430W is one of 12, 680 of its kind to be produced by John Deere at their Dubuque, Iowa plant between the years of 1958 and 1960. This model came from the factory with multiple options: a tricycle (T), standard (S), utility (U), high-crop (H), special (V), row-crop utility (W), or as a crawler (C), powered by a 2-cylinder gas engine rated to have approximately 25- 30 horsepower. The crawler sold for approximately $2,500 in 1960.
If you’d like the opportunity to own this tractor, there are opportunities across the state to purchase a raffle ticket at $1 or 6 for $5. Proceeds from the raffle support the W.A.P.R Scholarship program which assists students of Washington, Sheboygan and Ozaukee counties who plan to pursue a career in an agriculture related field.
Not only does the show feature antique tractors and equipment, but it has many affordable, family-friendly activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
Take a step back in history while touring the restored buildings of the park in combination with demonstrations put on by hit n’ miss engines, threshing, log sawing and baling. When in need of a refresher, stop by the Train Depot to enjoy a sweet and/or savory piece of pie and ice cream while enjoying live music. Give your kids the opportunity to test their strength and skills at pedal pulling at 12:30 p.m. (both days of the show), drive their first tractor, build a log cabin, and digging in a corn pit.
The 24th Annual W.A.P.R Tractor show will be held at the Ozaukee County Pioneer Village on July 15th & 16th from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission to the park is $5.00 per adult; children 12 & under are FREE. We look forward to seeing you at the 2017 W.A.P.R Antique Tractor & Equipment Show.