Neighborhood celebrates Thanksgiving with tractor race

by Sue Serdinak

When all of the homes in a neighborhood have large lawns, tractors are usually an early acquisition for homeowners.

The families that live in the Gelding and Creche road neighborhood celebrate their tractors on Thanksgiving Day with a tractor race. Both of the roadways end at a cul-de-sac.

The event starts the night before when neighbors are advised to be sure their tractor will start. At 8 a.m. the next morning, neighbors start gathering in the garage of Tim and Coco Karpen where cider, coffee and donuts greet them and Tim explains that the race is not a speed race but a time-trial race. 

At 8:45 tractors line up at the intersection of Creche and Gelding. Racers take one lap at their own pace. For their second lap they try to match their speed to the first lap, and the winner receives a trophy.For several years Tim Karpen had accompanied his father, Jim, to a tractor race in a Bath neighborhood and decided to bring the idea to his Richfield neighborhood. The neighbors have enjoyed the friendly event. 

photo caption: Neighbors board their tractors and line up at the intersection of Creche and Gelding roads for the start of the Thanksgiving Day race. Photos submitted