Halls Mill celebrates its heritage

From left, Bradley, Earl and Colleen Adcock work on their famous ice cream, which is made using a 1930 John Deere "hit and miss" engine. (T-G Photo by Micky Pietkiewicz) [Order this photo]

The Halls Mill Heritage Days annual fundraiser took place Friday and Saturday at the Halls Mill Triangle Community Club.

Friday night was Family Night and included a talent show, an ice cream supper, kids' games, and a lawn tractor pull.

"We had quite a few people last night because it was Family Night. It went pretty well. We had the lawn mower pull and I think everyone enjoyed it," said Daphne Motes, treasurer of the club. "By this afternoon we should have raised a good amount of money. Saturday is normally our best day. So far we are pleased with the turnout."

Ashlyn Yoes, 3, right, and Landon Cassady, 3, smile after they are awarded first and second place ribbons for the youth pedal tractor race. (T-G Photo by Micky Pietkiewicz) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The first event on Saturday morning was the youth pedal tractor race. Children from ages 3 to 9 participated in this friendly competition. Competing in the 0-3 age division were Ashlyn Yoes, 3, and Landon Cassady, 3. Ashlyn took the blue ribbon and Landon took the red. Landon was a very good sport, making sure to tell Ashlyn "Good job!" after the race.

Competing in the 4-6 age division were Blaine Paschal, 4, Jessi Chester, 6, and Brianna Hillegass, 6. Brianna took home the first place ribbon, while Blaine took second and Jessi took third.

Competing in the 7-9 age division were Robert Hillegass, 8, Austin Young, 9, and Caroline Smith, 9. Austin took home the first place ribbon, while Robert took second and Caroline took third.

Following the youth pedal tractor race was the tractor parade for the adults. Everyone climbed up on their tractors and took off down the gravel road for the much-anticipated parade. There were as many as 15 tractors and additional farming equipment at the event.

William Haskins, who was waiting for the parade to start, said with a chuckle that his 504 International tractor was "the only tractor that has ever been made." Earl Adcock climbed onto his John Deere tractor with an attached trailer that seated at least five people, and took passengers through the parade.

The Adcock family was present not only to ride the tractors, but also to make ice cream using a 1930 John Deere "hit and miss" engine. The engine was originally used in Bedford County to pump water for a sheep farmer, and the bucket -- which holds 5 gallons of ice cream -- was made by Mennonites. The engine was restored by Earl Adcock.

Following the tractor parade, the Mid State Cloggers performed. There were games for the kids. Later in the afternoon, the skillet toss for the women and the sledge hammer throw for the men took place. An antique tractor pull closed out the day's activities.