Tractor rides set for Rib Fest weekend

Van Wert Area CVB information

It is every kid’s dream (and adults, too) to be able to drive a tractor! The Van Wert and Paulding County Farm Bureaus, along with Kennedy-Kuhn John Deere dealership in Van Wert, are making those dreams come true at this year’s sixth annual Van Wert Rib Fest.

On both Friday and Saturday, August 3-4, everyone ages 5 and up will have the opportunity to personally drive a tractor and get their picture taken as a small memento of the event. There will be an obstacle course set up to resemble a roadway so adults can see what it is like to be in a tractor driving down the road.

Additional activities, including a straw maze for kids and a corn box set up by Kernel Cooper’s Corn Maze, and other interactive agricultural displays will be available. All of this will take place in the racetrack area in front of the grandstand. The cost to participate is $5 per person ($10 per family) for non-Farm Bureau members.  Farm Bureau members will be admitted free.

Anyone who drives a tractor during the event will be entered into a drawing to win a 24-foot radio-controlled John Deere tractor. For more information contact the Van Wert County Farm Bureau at 419.523.5874.

Also new at this year’s event will be Pig Races organized by the Van Wert YWCA.  Races will take place at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 4, in the covered show arena at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. There will be 12 pigs entered in each race, complete with names and sponsors. The public will have the opportunity to place a $2 wager on the pig(s) of their choice.  All proceeds from this event will be used to support the YWCA Transitional Living Program for the homeless.

For more information about the Pig Races, call the YWCA at 419.238.6639.

For more information about the sixth annual Van Wert Rib Fest call the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 419.238.9378 or visit its website at www.vanwertribfest.com.