Mini tractor and ATV pull has go-ahead

FORT KENT - It was looking like an uncomfortable blank spot in the schedule of events this weekend, but John Dumond of Fort Kent reports that the Mini Tractor and ATV Pull will still happen this Saturday.

Last week, Dumond said that things were looking grim for the new event planned as an addition to the Muskie Derby/Ploye Festival.  He said that the fire marshal would not issue a permit because of safety requirements and a need to comply with a law related to tractor pulls.

Dumont said that lawmakers designed the law for significantly larger tractors.  He said, "It's an antiquated law."

Parts of the requirements were for Dumond to build a permanent double barrier made of concrete to separate the spectators from the tractors.  This requirement was far too expensive for the organizer.

But on Monday Dumond said he received a go-ahead for the tractor pull.

He accomplished this by moving the mini tractor pull from near the fire station to a location in Riverside Park.

He said the venue allows him to place spectators on a ridge overlooking the competition, thus insuring their safety.

He said, "Spectators are going to be atop the ridge and the tractors will be down below and behind a barricade.

There is a lot of buzz around town, and many of the ATV dealers and a tractor dealership are helping to sponsor the event.

At this point, Dumond has no idea how many people will compete.  He said that persons interested in competing should sign up at the site.

He said, "We really don't know who is going to show up.  This is the first time we've done this."

Organizers will determine categories for both the mini tractor pull and the ATV pull based on the number of people who show up Saturday morning.

The sponsors are Fort Kent Skidoo, Roger's Sport Center Audibert Polaris, and Mike and Sons.  Dumond said Thibodeau Insurance is contributing to the insurance premium.

It takes 15$ to register a vehicle, but admission for spectators is free.

Dumond said he hopes to see a range of tractors from the very small to those with modified motors.

The vehicles will haul a progressive drag that gets heavier as it goes along. Dumond said, "It's just like what they're using for the big tractors, only it's a smaller version."

This is a new event in Fort Kent, but Dumond has a lot of hope for it.  He said, "I'd seen one before quite a few years ago, and I thought it would be a great way to pull people into town and help the economy.  The one I saw was really a lot of fun."

The event begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday with the tractor pull and continues at 1 p.m. with the ATV pull.