North Easthope Antique Tractor Club celebrates another successful year in Shakespeare

Auctioneer David Jacob of Mitchell keeps the crowd engaged during the NEAT Club’s annual fundraising auction in Shakespeare. Past president John Schyff holds up items as bids come in fast and furious. The highest-selling item – a homemade raisin pie baked by Brenda Mohr – sold to club supporter Bob Schlotzhauer for $200. Gary West photo

By Gary West

After another busy season on the back roads and in local parades, the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club (NEAT) gathered for its annual banquet at the Shakespeare Optimist Hall, celebrating a year of community involvement, fellowship and charitable giving.

Each summer, NEAT members take to the roads of Perth, Waterloo and Oxford counties, driving their restored 1950s, ’60s and ’70s-era tractors. Along the way, they help raise money for local restaurants, church groups and community causes through their weekly club rides.

Membership continues to grow as more agricultural enthusiasts join the club, proud to show off their antique tractors and keep rural history alive across the region.

A highlight of the evening was a fundraising auction led by David Jacob of Mitchell, which raised money to support tractor-restoration projects. The funds will go toward parts and professional painting for the club’s annual MCC Sale donation tractor. This year, NEAT members plan to donate the proceeds from two refurbished tractors to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Sale in New Hamburg in May.

Among the top-selling auction items was a homemade raisin pie baked by Brenda Mohr, which sold for $200 to longtime supporter Bob Schlotzhauer.

The evening also featured live country entertainment from Randy Satchell and his band, whose upbeat set had the crowd singing along and tapping their toes.

Those interested in joining the NEAT Club can contact any of the group’s 70-plus members for more information.