Des Moines, Iowa — For more than 35 years the Central Iowa Tractor Club has been a fixture on the Iowa State Fair’s Grand Concourse, offering fairgoers a glimpse of the state’s agricultural heritage. This year the club returned with a collection of restored tractors and farm machinery, underscoring the enduring bond between Iowa’s farming families and the fair.
Family‑owned history on display
Club member Don Rimathe spoke about his personal connection to the exhibit. “It’s a Farmall 450, and it was bought new by my mother’s first cousin, so I consider it a family tractor,” Rimathe said. He added that he restored the machine about 20 years ago, preserving a piece of his family’s farming legacy for the next generation of fair visitors.
A tradition rooted in community
The tractor showcase is more than a display of machinery; it is a celebration of the values that have shaped Iowa’s rural communities—hard work, family stewardship, and a respect for the land. Over the decades, the club’s presence at the fair has become a beloved ritual for families who gather to admire the gleaming chrome, learn about historic models, and hear stories of the people who built and maintained them.
Fair officials noted that the Grand Concourse provides an ideal setting for such heritage exhibits, drawing crowds who might otherwise miss the agricultural roots of the event. The club’s participation aligns with the fair’s broader mission to honor Iowa’s farming traditions while offering entertainment and education to a diverse audience.
Looking ahead
As the Central Iowa Tractor Club prepares for future fairs, members are already planning to expand the exhibit with additional vintage equipment and interactive demonstrations. Their goal is to keep the tradition vibrant, ensuring that younger visitors understand the significance of the machines that once powered the state’s economy.
For those attending the Iowa State Fair, the club’s display offers a tangible link to the past and a reminder of the enduring values that continue to define Iowa’s communities.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
