Tauranga Racecourse will be taken over by tractors and all sorts of farming machinery as the Vintage Family Fun Day and Crank Up is held in the city for the second time on March 7.

Hosted by the Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club, the event will run from 10am to 4pm, offering a huge lineup of country fun for kids and vintage tractor and machinery displays.

“We want people to step back in time and enjoy a full day of old-fashioned fun for the whole family,” said club chairman John Doull.

The club has held the Crank Up day annually for years at a rural spot, but club member Larry Williams said this was the second time they’d taken over the Tauranga Racecourse in Greerton to get more townies – young and old alike – to enjoy it.

“We’ve always had a Crank Up day at Hot Springs Rd near Katikati – but having it in town, we can get more people along and involve a different crowd of people, such as those urban residents and families,” Williams said.

“And the racecourse is the perfect venue – it’s got a huge area for us to set up.”

Doull said the club’s annual Vintage Family Fun Day and Crank Up was about celebrating the sights, sounds, and stories of vintage machinery, with plenty of hands-on activities and entertainment to keep all ages smiling.

Event highlights would include tractor parades, hayrides on the back of a trailer pulled by a tractor, sledge rides and vintage bus rides, plus a big display of a range of stationary engines – some going back to the early days of farming in New Zealand.

“We also run a Tractor Train that pulls little barrel-made carriages – this is a favourite of the kids,” Doull said. “We know many young ones love tractor machinery, so we want them to enjoy our passion for them as well.”

There would be a haymaking display and a separate free children’s play area where they can play in hay and enjoy water play. “There’s just heaps on offer for kids to enjoy,” Williams said.

The Shifters Hot Rod club is holding a special display too, and there will be a range of food trucks and market stalls to keep tummies full.

“Plus, one lucky event attendee will win a remote-controlled ride-on tractor to take home.”

Doull said the Crank Up was the club’s major annual fundraiser.

“It’s our opportunity once a year to raise money for the club, and all of our gear will be on display – both stationary and moving. And at the same time we’re entertaining the crowd, so it’s two-fold for us.”

Club member John Carmichael will even have his big, self-made catapult on-site, ready to “throw” sweets so youngsters can enjoy a lolly scramble.

The men said the event would be a relaxed, fun-filled day of nostalgia, learning and hands-on experiences for all ages – so don’t miss out on a chance to make some beautiful memories!

Entry is $10 per adult, and children aged under 10 gain free entry. Find out more on the Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club’s Facebook page.