The Excavator Games, a new feature at the Drayton Fair this year, challenged participants in ways unfamiliar to excavator operators.
Two excavators, donated by DeBoer’s Farm Equipment of Salem, replaced tractors and trucks on the fairgrounds track on Sunday at noon.
The first test of skills involved moving a raw egg, positioned on a sleeping bag, to an egg carton filled with sand, a short distance away. A spoon attached to the bucket of the excavator was the egg’s mode of transportation. If the egg broke, the contestant was disqualified.
The second test involved moving a basketball perched on a pylon to a pail. Once the ball hit the ground the operator was eliminated.
Registration and timekeepers were provided by the Drayton Kinettes.
“Twelve guys signed up in the first year of the competition. I wanted something for the ‘big boys’ to have fun with. Something hands on. We exceeded our expectations of the event,” said Brad Schieck, of the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society.
Competitors entered both games of skill. The winner with the best times overall was Brett Cook. First prize was a tool box on wheels. Second place of $50 went to Blaine Hall. Each competitor received a ball cap. Prizes were donated by DeBoer’s Farm Equipment.
“We are already making plans for our next competition. A big thank you to DeBoer’s for their generosity, and also to everyone who made the games a success,” Schieck said.
