Monday 1:30AM 06/18/2007
Home at last. Unfortunately, Sunday brought with it many problems for us to deal with in regards to our equipment. The previous day's rain resulted in the loss of a keyboard and cell phone. The main computer system is under close watch to see if it is developing some problems of its own. Due to all of this, and being busy printing pictures for people all day long, I was not able to provide updates. Check out the photo gallery in the coming days to see the whole story. And next year, make time to come out and be with us for this great event. It is growing every year and will likely out grow the current location within the next few years. So next year, come on out and be a part of it.
GOOD NIGHT Everyone....
Saturday 10:45PM 06/16/2007
Niagra Falls is beautiful this time of year, unless it is taking place inside of the FranklinCountyFun.com tent. The Lord is truly good, all the time. If not, then I would not be able to submit this on site update. In one of the heaviest cloud bursts that I have seen in recent memory, I was alone in the FranklinCountyFun.com tent watching the equipment and keeping an eye out for leaks. During the first five minutes of the storm, the rain was steady and we were ok. After that, we began to develop some small, insignificant leaks. Nothing to be concerned about. Just enough to cause me to begin covering the most valuable equipment. However, before I could complete the task, the middle seam joining the two tents developed a pool of water. I quickly elevated the area to allow it to run off the tent. Still, it was not too bad. Then, the sky really opened up on us. It was one of the heaviest down pours I can remember seeing recently. Rain, rain and more rain. To make matters worse, it just kept coming. The seam joining our two tents, the one right above the equipment, tore apart due to the weight of the water bearing down on it. Almost everything was drenched.
Some may be wondering where the other two partners were during this terrible storm. They were pinned down under what little shelter they could find until opportunity allowed them to get back to base. After the storm passed, we spent almost two hours just getting everything back up an running. Amazingly, nothing was permanently damaged. Truly a miracle.
As for the rest of the park, it did not fair any better. The crowd, large as it was, seemed to practically vanish from the area. The remaining tractor pulls were suspended until tomorrow. And, a small pond on the pulling track had to be removed. But, in the end, all is good. And, we needed the rain.
Saturday 1:15PM 06/16/2007
What in the World was THAT! Seriously, I thought lightning had struck close by due to the thunderous sound that shattered the air a few minutes ago. But it was not thunder after all. It was the big RED BULL! This modified antique tractor by itself is worth the trip to the park. Stretched like a limo and tall silver pipes that look like the smoke coming from the cartoon version of a very angry bull. The only thing readily identifiable on it that shows its antique heritage is the front grill. When this one fires up, people jump!
The food vendors have my favorite aromas in the air today. Really, any food is my favorite aroma right now. HUNGRY! Well, that is all for now. Check back in a few hours to read more. Or, better yet, come on down to the Franklin County Recreation Park in Sontag today and see it (and smell it...mmmm) for yourself.
Saturday 10:45AM 06/16/2007
Wow! The park is getting busy now. The tractor pull is just getting underway and the crowd is gathering. So far, no rain but the sky remains overcast. The temperature is perfect. I hope it can stay like this all day.
BONUS ANNOUNCEMENT: The pavilion area has Bluegrass Music! So, even if you do not like tractors, come on out for the music and food. I am sure there is something here to interest everyone!
Saturday 6:00AM 06/16/2007
GOOD MORNING SATURDAY!! The impromptu horse shoe game ran until midnight last night. I mean to tell you these guys were serious about their horse shoes. They hooked up special lighting in order to keep the game going after o-dark-30. Anyway, on to today's report.
Today looks to be a GREAT day! The morning has started off with a light fog as expected. But cutting through that fog should not be a problem for Mr. Sun. The vendors have just started arriving. The campers are just now waking up and getting ready to face the great crowds that are expected today. So, come on out early. Everyone here in the park will be ready to greet you with a smile and a "Good Morning".
And speaking of something to make you smile, breakfast is being cooked up right now. I can smell the fresh cooked sausage in the air and it is smelling good. Not much else to report on at this time. So, I will keep this short. Time for a biscuit!
Friday 8:20PM 06/15/2007
Well, the park has closed, the crowd has gone, and the monster tractors have been put to rest for the night. I am sitting here in the tent wishing that I had opted for blue jeans instead of shorts. A cool, damp night is in store with the possibility of a shower before morning. I hope this tent holds up better against the rain since we Scotch-Guarded it after the soaking we got at the Pigg River Ramble. Tonight will likely test it.
As I look outside of the tent, I see four campers throwing horse shoes. A truck rolls by every few minutes. I guess they are going out to find some dinner after the tractor games concluded a short time ago. I personally took part in the spaghetti dinner. It was great...and warm...warm is good right now. I am glad my sleeping bag is rated to 40 degrees, but not water proof.
One last thing before I sign off for tonight. Let's all sing the words to everyone's favorite musical...ANNIE
'...The sun'll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun...'
Good Night...I hope to see you here tomorrow!
Friday 5:15PM 06/15/2007
Despite a rainy day to get things started, everything is full STEAM ahead! A light mist has fallen most of the day with intermittent light rain, but that has not deterred many from coming to the park. Today, the vendors has opportunities to check out the demonstrations and each others stuff. And there is a lot...and I mean A LOT of stuff to see. The festival has broken out of last year's boundaries and expanded across the entire park. And, it is well worth the modest admission fee.
Right now, the tractor games are under way, a talent show is taking place on the stage, and an animal show is across the park. Oh, and my favorite, a full size spaghetti dinner is currently being served! Yeah, Baby!
If you cannot make it out today, then get an early start tomorrow. The tractors will begin their competition early. Be sure to check out the rock crusher...testosterone junkies favorite...along with a live saw mill demonstration and a hay bailing demonstration. And, stop by the FranklinCountyFun.com tent and let us know that you saw this report...almost live...online! We will be glad to see you.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look at what else we have to say about this great event:
Set 1 - Set 2 - Set 3 - Set 4 - Set 5 - Set 6 - Set 7 - Set 8 - Set 9 - Set 10 - Set 11 - Set 12 - Set 13 - Set 14 - Set 15- Set 16 - Set 17 - Set 18 - Set 19 - Set 20 - Set 21 - Set 22 - Set 23 - Set 24
