Merrill Tractor Pull digs in to Festival Grounds

The Merrill Tractor Pull, presented by River Valley Bank, returned to the Merrill Festival Grounds Saturday for the third annual event.

The antique car and tractor show, featuring many rare pieces from the collection of Ron & Kay Nicklaus, opened Saturday morning. An antique tractor pull, held during the day, drew more than 90 competitors from the local area. Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded to the antique tractor pull winners.

The National Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) main event was presented Saturday night. featuring classes for four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive trucks, as well as super stock, pro stock and modified tractors.

Frank Lemke of Merrill and his antique Allis-Chalmers tractor give the weight transfer sled a ride in front of the Merrill Festival Grounds grandstand.

Wausau’s Nancy Wieloch keeps her vintage John Deere moving down the track.

Eric Stoltz of Merrill starts his pull in the 3,000-pound weight classs with his vintage Oliver tractor.

David Rice of Merrill hangs on as his Allis-Chalmers digs in at the Merrill Tractor Pull Saturday.

With daylight under the front tires, the flag man lets Duane Rice of Merrill know that his pull has come to an end during the Merrill Tractor Pull Saturday.

The 1939 Sears tractor driven by John Baum of Appleton rears up near the end of its pull Saturday.

Brian Greenburg of Wausau with his Farmall.

Merrill’s Matt Wallace gives the sled a ride behind his antique Ford tractor.

Eric Stolz of Merrill pulls the sled with his vintage Ford tractor during the antique tractor pulls on Saturday.

The NTPA is the world’s top sanctioning body for pulling events that feature highly specialized machines resembling farm tractors, trucks and dragsters.

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