Harriet Leidy of Florida enjoys attending toy tractor shows because the same faces keep popping up, a familiarity she has grown to appreciate, according to a published report.
"It became a family sort of thing," Harriet said of the city of Newberry’s 19th annual Farm Toy Show and Antique Tractor Parade, which she attended with her husband Ted.
They are locals, coming to town from Fort White while other attendees come from throughout the nation. Collecting the tractors first started for Ted about 40 years ago as a hobby, he said. But now it has morphed into a small business.
At this year’s show, two John Deere models were featured – one small and one old.
Harold Myers of host city Newberry, which is west of Gainesville, came with his Model B John Deere tractor, which was manufactured in 1947. A pedal tractor manufactured by Deere also was at the show with a $400 price tag for the device about as big as a tricycle.
"I used them as a kid and I still use them," said Harold Myers, owner of the 1947 John Deere. He has been collecting antique tractors for the past 20 years.
Toy tractor shows offer element of familiarity
A Florida couple enjoys the toy tractor circuit because they see familiar faces.