FARMERSVILLE, Ill. — Greg and Lori Waldek began having a plow day when their son, Adam, established it for an FFA fundraiser project. The plow day has been going on since then.

This year, it was Oct. 13. Several brands of tractors – for example a John Deere 4010, John Deere 620, John Deere A, an Allis-Chalmers WD 45, a Farmall M and Farmall 450 – were among the models.

Visitors from all over were in attendance, and part of the group were relatives who came in for a Waldek family anniversary.

“We had a big wedding anniversary. John and Sandy Carron celebrated their 40th and many came for it,” Lori said. “We don’t advertise; it is word of mouth. Greg tells Mike Hart, Dave Stieren and Chad Millberg and they make it happen. They are the next generation (of antique tractor collectors).”

With the anniversary and word of mouth, the Waldeks had people from Billings Mont., Sparta, Ill., St. Louis and even Nashville, Tenn.

One young man, named Sam, wanted his project complete in time for the plow day.

“He had a teardown project, a Farmall M; he worked on it all winter,” Lori added.

The Sparta collector has almost become a member of the family. “He just leaves his tractor here,” she added.

“One guy this morning asked if we have enough guys to help out if he breaks down.”

Greg’s dad, Marvin, came to watch. A friend, Roger Sighton from Waggoner, Ill., brought his International Harvester M. “I have almost forgotten how to plow like that,” he said, watching everyone moving up and down the field.

Remembering is what it is all about. “I just like watching the old tractors,” Marvin said. “It brings back a lot of memories.”