How to run a tractor show

I recommended an antique tractor show as a fund raiser for my high school annual alumni meeting. The reply was that is a good idea, you are in charge.
Having never participated in one, I have some questions.
Is 1960 and older a good age to use?
Are these shows judged and if so who is qualified to do that?
I was thinking of a peoples choice by voting with cash. Will that work?
Are entry fees usually charged and if so what are the ranges?
Is there an internet source for information?
Thanks
Charles

Around our area, 1970 or older, but you can show what ever you bring regardless of age. Don't charge the people showing the tractors. Peolpe's choice by simple ballet. Talk to local businesses to sponsor trophies. You can charge an admission fee for spectators.

Your show, your rules!

Looks like you got dumped on, so that means you make the plans, decisions, and get to eat the crow.... My suggestion, keep it simple, next years you can refine and build on it.

I'll rain on your parade. If I were running a tractor show I'd run it as a community service and not a fund raiser. Free food, free local entertainment, and free admission for all. That's the way a tractor show should be run. If a club, church, or other organization wants money for their own benefit they should dig in their own pockets.

Don't charge the people showing the tractors.
More will come if it's free to show, the more tractors, the more spectators.
A lot of people like to see tractors in their "work clothes". Not restored.
For that reason, I wouldn't judge them. Who's to judge?
A people's choice might be cool. If I won it, I would probably donate it.
Charge the spectators if you want, but make it a nominal fee. Couple bucks.
If you make it too high, only die hard tractor fans will come, not the ones who
might like it and would risk $3 to see if they do.
As far as raising money, you could throw together a quick pie contest.
People make and donate their best, cut one piece out of it to be judged,
then raffle off the remaining pie to the highest bidder.
Bidder knows they're buying the best pies out there, and the money goes to that cause.
I've seen them sell here for $100.
I hope it turns out well for ya!

Some good poins here. Don't charge the people showing tractors, and keep admission down or nonexistant. You will make the most money off of food(which is why there are food vendors). If you judge then maybe a restored class and a work clothes class. Personally I don't care about the judging. Have plenty of shade(like tents) if it is hot, and plaenty of areas to sit down. The longer you keep people around the more money they may spend. maybe some tractor games of some sort to keep a crowd. Good Luck and remember if you don't ask for help you won't get any.

Just got back from one, $5 for parking, only fee. I thought that was really reasonable.

Keep it simple to start with. 1960 year model or older is a good place to start, say "Featuring tractors made before 1960", but don't lock out anybody who shows with a newer tractor. Plan on free admission and no entry fee. If you do want to charge admission, $2.00 would be the maximum I would consider. Any money to be made should be made on food or memoribelia, or plan on a equipment related flea market area at show with a small fee for a flea market spot. Judging is generally not a drawing card. Have a "People's choice" only for judged. Just some of my idess. I have been involved with antique car shows, antique airplane shows, and antique tractor shows, in the past, and these genreral ideas generally work to start and you can modify ideas in the next years show.

Harold H

I'll wade in here:
Don't limit the age of the tractor, causes hard feelings and some people go for Bigger is Better and newer is better.

Personally I am against judged shows. Easily becomes a competition is whose checkbook is largest. Besides, if you can't crank them and drive them around and all they do is sit on the trailer, what's the point?

Just my 3 cents. (Inflation, you know. . )

Antique usually refers to 25 years and older but I think pre 1970 would attract more tractors. Why do you need to raise money for a meeting? Let the people who attend pick their favorite. You could have different categories like best restored tractor or best original tractor, best sounding tractor, etc.

The point of those "Trailer Queens" is to show tractors from years ago. Most are not working tractors anymore because they aren't as efficient as the newer ones, although our farm still uses H's and M's occasionally.

The point is people are proud of their old tractors, like to retire them and make them pretty again, as a tribute to Dad, or for parades and tractor rides, or just because. I don't know why anyone has a problem with that. Are you saying no tractors should ever be restored, painted up nice, and shown to the public and younger generations? Ok, if that's what you want. And if they're no longer in use we should just scrap them? I really don't understand your point.

The 826 took over most duties on our farm 40 years ago, the 706 lighter duties. I guess we should've sold all the rest of them to the scrap man. Boy are we dumb.

Thanks for the quick responses and all the helpful suggestions. I will put them to use. We were trying to pick up some money for school improvements, but the thought of having it for free may have its advantages.
Thanks again.

Good Luck
I would not spend much time with an age limit, if anyone asks, mid '70s or before would be good answer, many people are now into "classic" tractors,(806-4020s types). Some people have old machinery too. No judging at all. While tractors will draw people to your event, if you want it to be a fund raiser, sell food yourself. A raffle could raise money too. Music could entertain people while they eat and visit, admission?, nominal at most. Entry fee for exhibitors-never. Thank them in some way.

Check out if insurance is required - it might "rain on your parade" BIG TIME.

Have someone sell pork burgers. $3 each or 2 for $5. Sell ice cream, pop and water. Many times you can get a local grocery store to donate buns and water fairly easy. Borrow a grill and put them in aluminum foil, it works and cheap. People love pork burgers. With the police department, we call ours a "pig sandwich". Just don't charge any fees for the guys bringing in tractors and allow them one vehicle to enter with them. Sometimes one guy will bring several tractors and needs his wife to take him back home for another piece. My wife brings me the flags and rope to keep the kids away from my "prize" tractor. The first guy that sticks her for entry is the last show I bring more than one. She also brings water, tools, chairs and anything else I need. So for her, its a day to blow off. Tractor events you can charge a small entry for only if you are giving out a trophy or something. You can also do a silent auction or raffle. Visit farm supply stores and get donations, sell tickets and allow people to place their ticket in a bowl and draw one out. You will then have a name and address to mail or email info for next year. Shuttle service in the form of a hay ride to and from the parking lot for donations. These are just a few things that I have seen work. my email is always open if I can help further.