Machinery put to work for open day

About 50 vintage tractors will be on show and they will be put through their paces with sled pulling demonstrations.

The annual Rotorua Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club Open Day is always a popular day out as people seem to have a greater sense of appreciation for the pioneers of days gone by, according to club chairman Eric Cullen.

"More and more people seem to be restoring old gear than they were and the swap meet is always popular with people wanting to buy and sell old machinery.

"I think people are realising once it's gone, it's gone, and people are now restoring old things," he said.

"Just seeing the old stuff working and seeing that we are still using the same principles today, but with improved technology, is very enjoyable."

About 50 vintage tractors will be on show and they will be put through their paces with sled pulling demonstrations. Draft horses will also be put to work with ploughing demonstrations.

People will be able to compare this with how modern farm machinery worked as there will also be demonstrations of hay making and silage bale making during the day - an event people were always interested in, said Mr Cullen.

The Rotorua Vintage Car Club is helping out with car parking on the day and their cars will also be parked up for inspection.

The annual open day always had a swap meet for vintage machinery and this was part of the reason for the day's popularity as people had been coming to the show for more than 10 years looking for "bits and pieces they require", said Mr Cullen.

Bouncy castles, food and drink will also be on offer during the open day.

Details:

* What: Vintage Tractor and Machinery Show

* Where: Rotorua Tractor Club Showground, Oturoa Rd, off SH5

* When: Sunday 10am-4pm

* Tickets: Adults $10, children free