For The Tribune

TAMPICO

The sound of roaring engines made its return to Tampico this past weekend for the 50th Annual Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department truck and tractor pull and fish fry.

After having the entire three-day event rained out in 2015, the volunteer fire department finally got redemption with both sunshine and spectators for the always highly anticipated event.

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The three-day event, which is known equally for its fish sandwiches and homemade pie as it’s known for its always exciting truck and tractor pulls, serves as a fundraiser for the Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department.

Antique tractors and Garden tractors (Southern Indiana Pulling Association) hooked to the sled on Thursday evening to kick off the weekend’s festivities. The Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League headlined the Friday and Saturday night portions of the pull.

Tampico resident Jeff Hoevener has attended every tractor pull held during the last 50 years at the fire department. This year Hoevener’s 2-year-old grandson, Colton, joined him in attendance for the second year in a row.

A demonstration in celebration of the 50th year of pulling at Tampico showed spectators how the sled used to be operated. Men would line the track along the track and step onto the sled as the tractor pulled it in hopes of stopping the tractor.

Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Jay Newberry was pleased with the turnout.

“We had a great turnout all three nights. Thanks to everyone that came out to support the fire department,” Newberry said.