Zagray Farm Spring Gas Up
I have do not own a tractor nor do I would I need one since my total yard encompasses less than a quarter of an acre. Many of the entries on this website I can associate with on some level. This one did I did not, but I was intrigued, I wanted to know exactly what a ‘spring gas up’ was.
For many of my adventures, recruiting friends to accompany me is usually not difficult. When asking for companionship to this farm answers ran the gamut from clear excuses to ‘I need to stay home and read the newspaper.’ Luckily, my wife and mother were up for the experience. The day was gorgeous; sunny, clear, in the high seventies with a slight breeze. I believe they were just happy to take a ride on such a beautiful Sunday. Another perk was the farm was not far from home.
The Zagray Farm and Museum is located on Route 85 on the Colchester-Hebron line. Although I grew up in nearby Norwich, the farm was never on my radar. Originally reading about the event in an old guidebook, I still had no idea what to expect. The website mentioned tractors, vendors, a parade and country music. I knew that with our timing we would miss the latter two. In truth I was picturing a train of tractors, gassing up for the spring.
As we drove from the center of Colchester on Route 85 towards Hebron, the museum is on the right. The event was more like a flea market and craft fair. Much of the wares that were being sold were of a machine related nature; tractor parts, car memorabilia and other items that looked to me as if they fit in that capacity. There were tractors too. Big men riding little lawnmower looking ones. Classic tractors polished to perfection and others that were rusted. One of the highlights for me was buying an actual John Deere hat, yes with mesh in the back. Once I popped on my new hat, I immediately felt more at home, and my wife had to explain to me in detail why we didn’t need to own a tractor since I typically mow our lawn with an old fashioned push mower.
We did not stay for a lengthy visit, but it was an enjoyable one. Many dogs accompanied their owners and the pace was relaxed. Food vendors supplied carnival-esque treats. The Spring Show is one of a few seasonal events like this at the facility. We meandered around the museum property for a while spotting the hog house, outhouse, and hen house.
A visit to the Spring Show at Zagray Farm and Museum was a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning in May!
For more information visit: http://www.zagrayfarmmuseum.org/ and http://www.ctvisit.com/AntiquesTrail/events/summary/184407
