Farmers Day Association Plans To Bring Back Competition
In 2014, the New Holland Farmers Fair celebrated 50 years of holding the Fireman's Tug-O-War as an integral part of the autumn event. The tug-o-war was begun by James Lafferty in 1965. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors in recent years, participation among local fire companies was waning. In 2018, no tug-o-war was held during the New Holland Farmer's Fair.
"All last year people said how much they would miss it," recalled Paulene Redding, who oversees the New Holland Farmer's Fair parade that kicks off the fair each year. "We didn't do it, and it wasn't the same." Redding and one of her parade sponsors discussed the situation, and he noted how much the Plain community missed the tug-o-war. The sponsor recommended opening up the competition to the public.
For 2019, the New Holland Farmers Day Association is bringing back the tug-o-war on Thursday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 5. Pulls will begin at 8 p.m. each night. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the four top teams.
"We will have 12 teams," said Redding, who noted teams would be added to the roster on a first-come, first-served basis. "A team cannot (weigh) more than 2,100 pounds, but it can be both (men and women)," added Redding. "We are trying to include everyone."
The rules for the competition will be similar to the past regulations. The size of the team will be 10 pullers, plus a captain. The complete roster must be submitted the first night of the pull, and all team members, including one permitted substitute, must weigh in the first night. The substitute must be lighter than anyone he or she replaces. Weigh-in will be held between 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. at the scales located on the corner of South Railroad Avenue and Grant Street. Roll call will be taken each night between 7 and 7:30 p.m. The heaviest team will pull west, and the line judge or judge's decision will be final.
When the firemen took part in the event, the tug-of-war rules called for the men to wear fireman's boots, but Redding said that requirement has been dropped. Gloves are optional.
Redding said she hopes to see businesses raise teams and battle each other in the event. Churches, church youth groups, and high school classes or teams could also compete against each other. Redding noted that if a business won, the organization might choose to give the winnings to a nonprofit such as a children's hospital.
In addition to competitive teams, Redding said about a dozen volunteers will be needed to help run the competition. She is also looking for a person with enthusiasm and energy to serve as master of ceremonies and call the rope pull. Jeff Barrage served as master of ceremonies from 2006 until 2017. Jim Dissinger became the master of ceremonies and was known as the Voice of Tug-of-War from 1968 until 2005.
Teams must be registered by Friday, Sept. 20, to take part in the competition. Readers who have questions or wish to register a team may call 717-355-2529.
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