DURHAM — On August 15, antique and modern farm tractors, pedal tractors, and antique trucks will assemble on the Fair Grounds in Durham (Route 17) to take part in the eighth annual Tractor Cruise-In sponsored by the Durham Fair Foundation, Inc.
The event, that also includes a flea market, a die cast toy sale, back seat driver contest and a drawing for door prizes, kicks off at 9 a.m.
In the true spirit of a cruise-in, tractor and antique trucks owners do not need to pre-register and can simply arrive the morning of the event to join the excitement. Rain or shine, the vehicles will be on display throughout the day.
The first event of the day, an antique tractor pull at 10:30 a.m., will test the stamina of those not-so-new tractors. At 11:30 a.m., kids can hop aboard a tractor at the pedal tractor pull in the Cow Palace. Tractors will be provided.
At 10 a.m., the Back Seat Driver Contest where couples will maneuver through an obstacle course on a garden tractor with the male driver blindfolded and the female half of the couple providing directions from behind. New to the Cruise-In last year, it is back and better than ever.
In a contest for the finest tuned engine, tractors will participate at 1 p.m. in the oxymoronic “slow race.” The highlight of the day, the tractor parade, kicks off at 2:30 p.m.
Admission to the Cruise-In is $5 per carload, but anyone pulling or riding a tractor or antique truck will be admitted free.
The Tractor Cruise-In has become the signature event for the Durham Fair Foundation. The Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization founded in 1996 by the Durham Agricultural Fair Association. The Foundation’s mission is to preserve and promote Connecticut’s agricultural heritage, history, rural life and the Durham Fair by sponsoring educational events, programs and exhibits.
For more information, call Len Baginski, President of the Durham Fair Foundation at 860-349-3305, or Karin or Bob Thody at 860-349-9191.

Editor's note: All of the information in this post was contributed.