About Us
History of Ol’ Pembina Tractor Pull Society
Motto: Promoting and Preserving Our Farming Heritage.
How did this begin… George Suntjens became an active member of the Arizona Early Gas Engine & Tractor Association, with each event featuring a type of tractor. Knowing the tractors used at the Arizona Tractor Pull events were are also here in Alberta… George had an idea.
With that idea, in the spring of 2002, the Sangudo & District Agricultural Society teamed up with the local tractor enthusiasts to host a first time Antique & Classic Tractor Pull Event for the Sangudo area. Tractors are pre 1960 models. For the first few years a sled was rented from Westlock tractor club. The tractor pulls were held west of the Pembina River on Manley & Bunny Peterson’s acreage.
As the years went by, the interest grew and in 2009 the Ol’ Pembina Tractor Pull Society was formed with Darcy Harapchuk as President. “Promoting and Preserving Our Farming Heritage” became our Society’s Motto. For annual tractor events, feature tractors are drawn from membership, and photo of that tractor is placed on lapel Gate Buttons.
Ol’ Pembina Tractor Pull Society is grateful for all its past, present and future members.
Over the years OPTPS acquired many assets, to make a self-reliant society. In 2008 three members, Don Saunders, Andy Harapchuk and George Suntjens built a pull sled, which has been a good working sled. An electronic monitor was later purchased; so that tractor pull participants, and the audience, could see the progressive distance of each pull. A scale, with an electronic printer, was also purchased. Tractor are weighed with the driver and placed into one of eight classes. Seven categories are Bantam, Classes 1-6 with varying weights from 3,999 lbs to 12,000 lbs. The eighth class is Demo (which includes odd & unusual tractor and trucks). Winners of each category, is determined by the longest accumulative pull length from 2 pulls… with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. First, second and third place winners are invited to participate in the Alberta competitions, held in September, at Leduc West. We are proud to say that some of our members have placed 1st in the Leduc West competitions!
In the year 2010, the track and events were moved across the Pembina River to Sean & Dianne Brown’s acreage, located next to the Sangudo Sports Grounds. In the fall of 2017, the Shura family purchased the land from the Brown’s. Tractor pulls continued there until the fall of 2022.
Currently our “new track” gate entrance location is 56528 – RR 71; with land rented from Ryan Shuck. OPTPS is back on the west side of the Pembina River.
A new track was made, and in 2023 OPTPS held 3 successful pull events. OPTPS held 2 tractor pull events: the annual Farmer’s Day weekend (second weekend in June) and a Mid-Summer pull in mid-August. Newest event for OPTPS was our first Truck Pull event. Held in July with categories of 4X4 and 2wD in both gas or diesel. The Truck pull event has added a new style of pulling, along with new membership.
Our 2023 members are a dedicated group, donating dollars to re-purchase our original sled; then modifying the sled for strength and safety.
Our events have participants from Ardrossan, Athabasca, Barrhead, Blue Ridge, Boyle, Cherhill, Drayton Valley, Edson, Fauset, Girouxville, Greencourt, Hinton, Holden, Innisfail, Leduc, Neerlandia, Plamondon, Sangudo, Sexsmith, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Taber, Vegreville, Viking, Westlock and Whitecourt… Participants need a valid driver’s licence and proof of insurance. Participants are youth to senior; male or female.
OPTPS members are thankful for support from local organizations, LSAC, CIP funding; sponsorship from local businesses and support of the community.
OPTPS will continue to host annual pulls and remain committed to their long-term goals, their motto and welcoming new members.