DENZIL – The Denzil Antique Tractor Club held their annual Denzil Days on June 22 and 23. With activities lined up for the weekend-long event, there was something for everyone.
The biggest draw to the small community is the antique tractor pull. Enthusiasts and collectors of the antique beasts travelled from around Saskatchewan and Alberta to take part in the competition.
Board member Greg Rissling has been a part of the annual event since its inception in 2018. Each year, volunteers find more activities and events to entice more families to join in on the fun.
“This year we had the parade on Sunday morning, bunnock games were available, the kids took part in the pedal tractor races, there were bouncy castles and the museum was open all weekend as well,” said Rissling.
With a population of roughly 150 people, the citizens of Denzil strive to keep their community going through various fundraisers such as this.
“We do not charge for people to come here for the Denzil Days, we simply ask for donations. This year’s funds will be used to give our hall roof an upgrade. In the past we have helped the curling rink, skating rink and other general upkeep within the village” said Rissling.
For one family, the Denzil Days has become a part of their summer plans. Don Clark, who was an avid tractor puller from Altario, Alta., was the patriarch of the Clark Pullers. He had a passion and an enthusiasm for the sport which he passed onto his grandsons over the years. When Clark passed away, his collection of tractors was gifted to his grandsons, who still travel to Denzil each year. This year, a total of 12 tractors were brought by the Clark Pullers.
Another familiar face that was missing this year was Jim Sparks of Edgerton, Alta. Sparks was known for running the sled each year, however he sadly passed away earlier this year. Sparks had become a well-known fellow in Denzil and made many friends at the pull, so it was only right for the club to recognize his years of contributions by putting magnetic signs on the sled with his name on them. Although Rissling said it was hard to replace Sparks, they were fortunate to have Jim’s son, Lorne, to take over the job.
As the antique tractors muscled their way through the weight classes, 50/50 draws were done, with Perry Boser taking home the day one pot and George Stang claiming the day two prize. The Denzil Rec Board also had a draw for a wheelbarrow of fun as first prize, which was won by Marie Leibel and a wagon of fun for second place, claimed by Pius Heffner.
Members of both boards worked together to feed and water close to 500 visitors over the two days.
“It is great to see the amount of support we get from not only our own little village, but from the surrounding communities. We would not be able to put on such an event without the help from some of our sponsors,” added Rissling.
The winners from the weekend were as follows:
Under 4,000 lbs:
- First-Blair McCutcheon;
- Second - Ryan Clark;
- Third- Blair McCutcheon.
4,001 – 5,000 lbs:
- First- Daniel Marcotte;
- Second - Wm. Crocker;
- Third- Norman Kirwer.
5,001 – 6,000 lbs:
- First- Keith Crocker;
- Second - Terry Box;
- Third- Doug Gilchrist.
6,001 – 7,000 lbs:
- First- Ron Volk (defending champion);
- Second - Keith Crocker;
- Third- Brian Kuhn;
7,001 – 8,500 lbs:
- First- Harold Perkins;
- Second - Kevin Tirk;
- Third- Phil Wandler.
8,501 – 10,000 lbs:
- First- Tim Winterhalt;
- Second - Cole Grant;
- Third- Greg Rissling.
10,001 – 12,000 lbs:
- First- Tim Winterhalt;
- Second - Ryan Clark;
- Third- Brandon Zimmer.
