Officials with the San Joaquin County Historical Museum hosted the Sixth Annual Tractor Fest on Saturday, Oct. 10 and said the gathering welcomed more visitors than any previous year in the event’s history. Over 650 people joined in for a day of family fun and education as museum personnel came together to inspire the next generation of farmers, agricultural innovators, and responsible citizens. Nearly 30 vintage and modern working tractors were available to see and experience hands-on. Guests of all ages and multiple generations of families enjoyed the many offerings including the beloved tractor parade, Museum tours and exhibits, pumpkin painting, and more. The Museum’s newly completed Pioneer Village served as a beautiful backdrop for the festivities as the public was able to see and explore it in depth for the first time since its completion.

“It is an honor and a privilege to continue to bring this event to our community and to see such great support in return. Being able to provide a safe, fun, and educational family event that our community has come to love and look forward to year after year is an honor,” said Evan Hust, Director of Business Operations and Tractor Fest creator and coordinator. “As San Joaquin County’s official historical institution, nothing is more important than preserving, sharing, and celebrating our shared history in an engaging, exciting, and tangible way. Tractor Fest is one of the chief ways that we can achieve this mission, and we plan to continue the tradition for a very long time.”

The San Joaquin County Historical Museum is grateful for the support of sponsors: San Joaquin County Farm Bureau Federation, Mulrooney Auction Company, Holt of California, Oak Valley Community Bank, and F&M Bank. The Museum would also like to extend its sincerest gratitude to the tractor owners who came from throughout San Joaquin County and beyond, as well as the many vendors and community partners who attended: San Joaquin County Farm Bureau, San Joaquin County Ag Commissioner’s Office, UC Cooperative Extension, Tokay Colony 4-H, Tokay FFA, Restore the Delta, City of Lodi Watershed Program, Stockton East Water District, Visit Stockton, The Edible Schoolyard Project, San Joaquin County Office of Education, San Joaquin County Delta College Agriculture Department, San Joaquin County Young Farmers and Ranchers, Ty’s Gourmet Dogs, Peachy’s Food to Go, Rise & Shine Coffee, Michael’s Heavenly Sweets, and Dogtown Pumpkins.

“Special thanks to our docent quilters for creating two beautiful handmade quilts that were raffled to raise funds for our education programs, and to Jim Marsh’s Chili Boys and The Fiddletown Preservation Spasm Band who kept our toes tapping all day,” Hust added.

The Seventh Annual San Joaquin County Tractor Fest is already on the schedule, set for Saturday, Oct. 9, 2027.