For more than four decades, the Tinora Young Farmers have been bringing agriculture, community and plenty of fun to local fairs through their annual Kids Pedal Pulls.
The Tinora Young Farmers were started by longtime Tinora agriculture and FFA teacher Mr. Ray Clevenger, who taught at Tinora for approximately 28 years after beginning his teaching career at Stryker Schools. According to Clevenger, the organization began holding pedal pulls in the early 1980s, creating a tradition that has continued for generations of local families.
Today, the Tinora Young Farmers continue to host pedal pulls at both the Henry County Fair and the Defiance County Fair, giving children an opportunity to participate in a fun agricultural tradition.
One of those Young Farmers helping to continue the tradition is Tim Wiemken, a Tinora graduate and former Tinora FFA member. Wiemken says the organization is open to anyone who wants to be involved.
“Anyone can join Tinora Young Farmers. You do not have to be a Tinora graduate.”
The organization currently has approximately 15 members. Many of those members went through the Tinora FFA program and wanted to remain active in agriculture and their community after graduating.
For Wiemken, the pedal pulls have also become a family tradition.
“My kids participated in the pedal pulls years ago.”
Each year, the events draw a strong turnout from young participants. The Tinora Young Farmers typically see between 100 and 150 children participate in a pedal pull. This year at the Henry County Fair, nearly 165 kids took part.
While the pedal pulls are certainly fun for the children, Wiemken says the reason he continues to volunteer is much bigger.
“I keep doing this for the kids and the community.”
That commitment to community is at the heart of the Tinora Young Farmers. What began decades ago as an opportunity to bring agricultural activities to local fairs has become a tradition that continues to connect Tinora families and former FFA students with the next generation.
The Tinora Young Farmers are also excited to continue that tradition while working with Tinora's new FFA teacher, Katie Black.
Wiemken encourages former FFA members and community members who are interested in becoming involved to reach out to Black and learn more about joining the Tinora Young Farmers.
Catch the Tinora Young Farmers at the Defiance County Fair!
The tradition continues this weekend at the Defiance County Fair.
Sunday, August 23
2:00 PM
Kids Pedal Pull
Show Arena
Come cheer on the young competitors and support the Tinora Young Farmers as they continue a tradition that has been part of our community for more than 40 years!
