Farm tractor pull in Harrisville, Oct. 5

The "Shields Show Down" Farm Tractor Pull will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at the tractor pulling track in Harrisville.

This tractor pull is in loving memory of Howard Zellmer, an avid tractor puller who was well known throughout the community. Zellmer, who loved giving back to the community and people in need, passed away in June 2012.

A lifelong resident of Shields Township, he organized and put on a tractor pull every year in Montello. This was the first year the tractor pull was cancelled following Howard's passing. He was always the man in charge.

In the mid 1990s, Zellmer was co-owner of a pulling sled. When his co-owner passed away, he sold the sled to the Harrisville tractor pulling crew. The sled is still being used in 2012 with a few improvements. This is the same sled that will be used at the "Shields Show Down."

The pull's proceeds will go to Brody Henke, to help with medical expenses with his upcoming surgeries.

Brody was born with microtia atresia (small ears and no canals). When he was two-weeks-old, he was fitted for a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) which allows him to hear. Without the BAHA, Brody has a moderate-severe hearing loss.

Surgery is necessary to form ears and hopefully open his canals. He will have this surgery at the California Ear Institute when he is 3-4 years old. The surgery has an estimated cost of $146,600, which does not include travel expenses. He is the son of James and Ashley Henke, Montello.

The tractor pull will start at 6 pm. Weigh-in is from 4-5:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase as well as beer and soda. There will be 50-50 raffles.

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for Brody's Harvest for Hearing benefit raffle. The tickets cost $5 each or five for $20. The prizes include; Matthews Drenalin Bow with HD2 Rest; Cub Cadet 528 zero turn snow blower, donated by Waupun Equipment; 21-inch Troy Built self-propelled lawnmower, donated by Waupun Equipment; quarter of beef (two awarded), donated by Borzick Farms, processing by Ran's Meat; 12-gauge shotgu, donated by School House Tavern; Orange Peel Technique queen size quilt, donated by Liam Coyle; MS180 Stihl Chainsaw, donated by Bignel Powersports; "Berry Bush Colors" by Sam Timm in framed canvas, donated by Maple Marsh Gallery; $100 cash, donated by Jeff Breise.

The raffle drawing will be held at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at the Breezey Hollow Farm Pumpkin Patch and Hayride Benefit.

The tractor pull is being organized by Howard Zellmer's son, Eric. When his father passed away, Eric wanted to keep his legacy alive with his love for tractors and helping others.

The Zellmers have been family friends with Brody Henke's family since forever. The two interests were a great reason to have the "Shields Show Down" Tractor Pull.

To help support this great cause and sponsor one of the classes for the Tractor Pull, contact Eric at 920-382-2185.