Tractors Will Play Lead Role
At Fiddlehead Festival

Warren Davoll of Randolph uncovers his antique John Deere in preparation for the Fiddlehead Festival tractor cavalcade on May 5. All are invited. For details, call Sam Lincoln at 728-4273. (Herald / Bob Eddy)

Farmers have a love affair with their tractors, which play such an essential role in their day-to-day agricultural tasks. And in the Central Vermont agricultural community, tractor clubs are active and growing. Members are involved in the preservation and restoration of vintage tractors and farm equipment.

Many of these restored tractors will be traveling to Randolph Center on May 5, to participate in the first Fiddlehead Festival.

In addition to restored tractors, you will see big tractors, small tractors, specialized-use tractors, and vintage working tractors. Teams of local farmers will have an opportunity to show their skills at handling farm equipment on the Fiddlehead Festival Tractor Obstacle Course.

The Fiddlehead Festival—a brand new event in Randolph—will begin with a May Pole ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at the lawn area at the front of Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center.

The morning will also feature music, storytelling, and educational presentations in the Judd Gym, Old Dorm Lounge, and Conant building. Local vendors will display and sell their wares at the Festival. There will be a Farmer’s Lunch at 12:30 p.m. and then an old fashioned Barn Dance with Dudley Laufman.

There will also be an afternoon schedule of farmstead activities featuring antique engines, chicken plucking, hand milking of cows, plowing demonstrations, a sugarhouse tour, pasture walk, and a tour of the VTC farm buildings. Then comes a gallery exhibit of Vermont art at the Chandler Gallery, a nature walk on the Randolph floodplain, and church suppers. The day ends with an evening concert by George Woodard and Friends at the Music Hall.

The April 26 issue of The Herald will include a copy of the Fiddlehead Festival Guide.