TURTLE HOUSE AT ELVIRA’S ROOST, MT OLIVE SHORES, POLK CITY, FLORIDA

February 27,

Temperature 84 Degrees

Florida Flywheelers – Tractor Show

It was Friday, a day we usually never go out sightseeing because of the crowds; it was already 84 degrees by mid-morning – and yet sightseeing we did go. Sometimes I have to wonder if maybe I’m loosing a bit with age!

Somewhere, probably on the internet and somehow, probably through one of the many sites I follow I had discovered that there was going to be an antique tractor show the last week in February in central Florida. So, heat or no heat, Friday notwithstanding off we went!

We were going to the Florida Flywheelers Park. An internet search reveals the following: The Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club is a non-profit organization, founded in 1972, to promote interest in restoring, preserving and exhibiting antique internal combustion engines, steam engines, antique tractors and autos and other labor saving devices from the by-gone years. In 1997 it was decided to purchase property in a central location in south Polk County where members could have a show to display their collections to the public without the need to rent facilities. Flywheeler Park has now grown to almost 240 acres and includes a tractor pull track, club and member buildings which house displays, collections and many large engines, and a membership which is over 1,500.

So, put on your walking shoes and join us as we walk around the park.

There were of course tractors. Some not so new.

Some were on the small size.

Some were a bit bigger.

This character was bearly able to reach the pedals.

There were antique engines of all types. Most, if not all of them, were running and supplying power to another piece of equipment. For instance, the water wheel was turning because of water supplied by a pump driven by the red engine in the left of the picture.

Then there were the vendors. You could buy almost anything here.

And when I say anything and everything was for sale, here is proof! You could even buy the kitchen sink!

They even have their own little village jam packed with all kinds of displays.

So many fascinating gizmos and gadgets you didn’t know which way to turn.

Can’t forget the ice cream truck.

Yes, of course we taste tested the ice cream and it was delish!

There were tractor pulls. From the classic and antique to the hot rods. We both really enjoyed tractor pulls and have opportunity to attend a good number over the last several years.

Sometimes it was a bit hard to decide which was older, the tractor or the driver!

Then there were what they called the mini-rods. They were a blast and a half. They seem to be going a mile a minute but never really get over twenty MPH.

Then, well, then I decided instead of buying a golf cart to tool around our development why not a tractor. Now how cool would that be!

The first one to catch my eye. Nice and small and easy to drive. But it sort of lacked character.

Then this one caught my eye. Now, how cool would this be to drive around the neighborhood.

Super! Of course I would need to get the siren working.

Now that big boy in yellow would really let them know I’m coming! Image how it would stand out in the weekly golf cart parade. Alas, Ms. Barbara would not agree to a one of them. So, I came home empty handed.

We spent about four hours at the park and yet missed so much. We agreed we really need to allow at least two days, maybe more, to see it all. Maybe next year we’ll get a multi day pass. All in all it was a lot of fun and a day we absolutely enjoyed.

Life remains good on The Road of Retirement. Our days are easy with no pressing concerns to trouble us. What more could one ask for. Hope life is good for you as well.

Thanks again for stopping by today  We always appreciate your company, and your comments and suggestions. Keep safe, keep healthy, live to the fullest the days that God gives you.

Our continuing mission remains the same: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before