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The 2010 Franklin County Field Days
The 2010 Franklin County Field Days
Thursday, July 29, 2010 through Sunday, August 1, 2010, Highgate Airport in Swanton, Vermont, just past MVU high school on Thunderbird Drive, played host to the annual Franklin County Field Days, a celebration of all that makes Franklin County great.
Demolition Derbies, Truck and Tractor Pulls, carnival rides, fair food, and games were all present in full fashion, along with countless exhibits from local companies such as Handy Toyota of St. Albans, your destination for a new Toyota or used vehicle in the Northern Vermont and greater Burlington, VT area.
Hopefully you witnessed the Handy Cars booth first hand as well as Jack Chamberlain's fantastic work in the 2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior--but if not you're in luck! Handy Cars IM was there to keep track of all the excellent happenings with the photos and video you see below! For any missed information, contact Chris at cdugan@handycars.com and request whatever you need!
And if you did miss anything, be sure you don't next year because if this year's events were any indication compared to 2009's, next year's will just be better yet!
Demolition Derbies, Truck and Tractor Pulls, carnival rides, fair food, and games were all present in full fashion, along with countless exhibits from local companies such as Handy Toyota of St. Albans, your destination for a new Toyota or used vehicle in the Northern Vermont and greater Burlington, VT area.
Hopefully you witnessed the Handy Cars booth first hand as well as Jack Chamberlain's fantastic work in the 2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior--but if not you're in luck! Handy Cars IM was there to keep track of all the excellent happenings with the photos and video you see below! For any missed information, contact Chris at cdugan@handycars.com and request whatever you need!
And if you did miss anything, be sure you don't next year because if this year's events were any indication compared to 2009's, next year's will just be better yet!
Thursday, July 29, 2010:
The Handy Toyota Crew Sets Up Shop
Included in the exhibit were several things you'd expect to find as well as some that were merely fan-service.
First and foremost, the excellent 2010/2011 Toyota models were on display including a 2010 Toyota Tundra Limited, a 2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior, a 2011 Toyota Camry LE and Avalon, and a 2010 Toyota 4Runner among other glistening vehicles. Thanks to the efforts of Matthew Brosseau, who washed the vehicles every morning and as needed throughout the day, the Handy Toyota crew was complimented several times on the appearance of said vehicles.
Other attractions at the booth included food such as popcorn (machine courtesy of the Swanton Recreation Department), candy for the youngsters as well as a face painting station, Cow Power and Handy Cars balloons, Chevrolet vehicles from our sister store Handy Chevrolet, and a beautiful arrangement of a variety of plants courtesy of Hamlen's in St. Albans, Vermont on Route 7.
The Handy Toyota Crew Sets Up Shop
The title says Thursday July 29th, but really the set up process began early Tuesday morning, July 27th. E-Commerce Manager Adam Luneau, who also sat on the Board of Directors for the Franklin County Field Days, grabbed a crew of Handy Toyota personnel and a couple volunteers and headed out to Highgate Airport in Swanton, Vermont, just past Missisquoi Valley Union (MVU) High School, a half mile beyond Thunderbird Drive and Vermont Route 105. Matthew Brosseau (e-Commerce), and Carly Bushey (Internet Sales Consultant) along with volunteering sisters Meg and McKenna Pelkey began setting up the most wonderful exhibit in the history of Handy Toyota's involvement with the Field Days. These five individuals did an amazing job, and come Thursday morning (the Fair was due to open at noon), it still wasn't done! With sweat-covered brows and nerves of steel, this group of five dedicated people pulled the final pieces together and opened a glorious showing of talent.
Included in the exhibit were several things you'd expect to find as well as some that were merely fan-service.First and foremost, the excellent 2010/2011 Toyota models were on display including a 2010 Toyota Tundra Limited, a 2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior, a 2011 Toyota Camry LE and Avalon, and a 2010 Toyota 4Runner among other glistening vehicles. Thanks to the efforts of Matthew Brosseau, who washed the vehicles every morning and as needed throughout the day, the Handy Toyota crew was complimented several times on the appearance of said vehicles.
Other attractions at the booth included food such as popcorn (machine courtesy of the Swanton Recreation Department), candy for the youngsters as well as a face painting station, Cow Power and Handy Cars balloons, Chevrolet vehicles from our sister store Handy Chevrolet, and a beautiful arrangement of a variety of plants courtesy of Hamlen's in St. Albans, Vermont on Route 7.
As noon approached, the Handy Crew began worrying that they had bit off more than they could chew; it's not that the crew involved wasn't capable, there was just so much we wanted to share with all involved! Around 9:00 a.m. on the morning of the 29th of July, Internet Manager Chris Dugan was called for backup to put together some of the most convoluted benches ever conceived!
With the balloons and flags flapping in the wind, the face painters ready to paint, candy and popcorn ready to fatten up the kiddies, the irritatingly difficult benches assembled, and the vehicles in immaculate condition, the Handy Toyota/Handy Cars exhibit was open for business! Next stop, July 29th's and the first main event: the Demolition Derby!
July 29, 2010's Main Event:
The Demolition Derby
The Demolition Derby
The first Main Event to take place at this year's Franklin County Field Days was the Demolition Derby, a fantastically entertaining event that is just what it sounds like: a race whereby the drivers aren't out to go 300 laps at 200 miles per hour, rather be the last one standing--by ANY means necessary!
In case you've never had the chance to go to an event of this magnitude, here's a quick break down of the rules at this year's Demolition Derby:
In case you've never had the chance to go to an event of this magnitude, here's a quick break down of the rules at this year's Demolition Derby:
1. There are four rounds, called "heats
2. The Derby has two qualifying rounds for the 4-cylinder contestants
3. There is a third round for the 8-cylinder vehicles--this is the one and only round, an instant-finals of sorts for this class
4. A fourth round takes place for the two winners of each of the two qualifying rounds for the 4-cylinder vehicles
5. Drivers must ram the other vehicles in reverse only
6. Drivers must stop when the referee signals the foghorn to ensure nobody is injured or some such
7. Drivers cannot hit other vehicles in the driver-side door area for safety reasons
Other than those rules, it's a free for all! The last two vehicles standing (or idling, as it may be) get to qualify for the fourth heat. Unfortunately, only three drivers made it to the finals as the fourth drivers vehicle was so badly damaged--oddly enough, that's the most exciting way to go.
Chris Dugan, charged with recording and photographing the events, said he was lucky enough to sit next to a little boy and his grandmother. Having seen the ear-to-ear grin on the little guys face made all the work earlier in the week and that day so much more worth it. In fact, that's why we at Handy Toyota are even involved with these events, is to see the smiling faces on those who get to enjoy it. Although truth be told, we really enjoy the events too!
2. The Derby has two qualifying rounds for the 4-cylinder contestants
3. There is a third round for the 8-cylinder vehicles--this is the one and only round, an instant-finals of sorts for this class
4. A fourth round takes place for the two winners of each of the two qualifying rounds for the 4-cylinder vehicles
5. Drivers must ram the other vehicles in reverse only
6. Drivers must stop when the referee signals the foghorn to ensure nobody is injured or some such
7. Drivers cannot hit other vehicles in the driver-side door area for safety reasons
Other than those rules, it's a free for all! The last two vehicles standing (or idling, as it may be) get to qualify for the fourth heat. Unfortunately, only three drivers made it to the finals as the fourth drivers vehicle was so badly damaged--oddly enough, that's the most exciting way to go.
Chris Dugan, charged with recording and photographing the events, said he was lucky enough to sit next to a little boy and his grandmother. Having seen the ear-to-ear grin on the little guys face made all the work earlier in the week and that day so much more worth it. In fact, that's why we at Handy Toyota are even involved with these events, is to see the smiling faces on those who get to enjoy it. Although truth be told, we really enjoy the events too!
July 30, 2010's Main Event:
The Truck Pulls--The Main Event
The Truck Pulls are a Vermonter favorite, specifically up here in Franklin County, although in fairness it's pretty popular around the northern tri-state areas in general. As Handy Toyota General Manager Dan Luneau puts it, though, the Truck Pulls are an "East Coast Rodeo;" you have your good old cowboys, their big rigs, a dirt covered track with tractors: doesn't that sound like an East Coast Rodeo to you?
To the left, this is one of the two artificial weight units. These allow for the manipulation of weight, meaning you can change these to "pull" on the trucks hitch anywhere from 5,500 pounds to over five tons. However, for the larger weight classes the bigger artificial weight unit is necessary as this "Little Tower" only goes up to a certain size (some of the tractors in the Tractor Pull probably could have ripped it apart!).
The Truck Pulls, however, use both, as they are capable of going up to the 8,500-pound class. And Handy Toyota's driver, Mr. Jack Chamberlain, destroyed all the classes in which he drove.
As Chamberlain approached the starting line, a buzz was in the air. Several folks had made very good 225-foot, 250-foot, or even 260-foot runs in their vehicles in the 5,500 and 6,500-pound classes--very good drivers doing the best they could with their vehicles.
Then it was Jack's turn.
As Chamberlain came up to the line, all eyes were on the Toyota Tundra and Jack himself. You see, Mr. Chamberlain has worked up quite a reputation, and for lack of a better term, everyone wanted to take him down.
He destroyed the competition last year, and three to four weeks ago he won the pulls in both classes as well. His enemies, though in the spirit of friendly competition, were many; and he just made matters worse with his awesome performance at the Field Days!
In the 5,500 class, Jack let the Tundra to the right rip, and it was over. All 300 feet were traveled, and he took the number one spot and kept it the rest of the night. Up next was the 6,500-pound pull.
The Truck Pulls--The Main Event
Not to give away the story, above you will see the myriad trophies that Jack Chamberlain has won through his years on the Truck Pull circuit. Needless to say, he's done quite well for himself, and he promotes the world's most powerful, longest lasting truck, the Toyota Tundra, with effortless grace. Let us first give him a great big congratulations for his excellent work, and an equally large thank you for promoting our trucks with such excellence. You are truly the King of the Truck Pull, Sir.
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Above, you will see the three Tundras entered into the Truck Pull competition (the top two--the blue and white--were driven by Jack Chamberlain). To make a long story short, these trucks absolutely decimated the competition.
The Truck Pulls are a Vermonter favorite, specifically up here in Franklin County, although in fairness it's pretty popular around the northern tri-state areas in general. As Handy Toyota General Manager Dan Luneau puts it, though, the Truck Pulls are an "East Coast Rodeo;" you have your good old cowboys, their big rigs, a dirt covered track with tractors: doesn't that sound like an East Coast Rodeo to you?To the left, this is one of the two artificial weight units. These allow for the manipulation of weight, meaning you can change these to "pull" on the trucks hitch anywhere from 5,500 pounds to over five tons. However, for the larger weight classes the bigger artificial weight unit is necessary as this "Little Tower" only goes up to a certain size (some of the tractors in the Tractor Pull probably could have ripped it apart!).
The Truck Pulls, however, use both, as they are capable of going up to the 8,500-pound class. And Handy Toyota's driver, Mr. Jack Chamberlain, destroyed all the classes in which he drove.
As Chamberlain approached the starting line, a buzz was in the air. Several folks had made very good 225-foot, 250-foot, or even 260-foot runs in their vehicles in the 5,500 and 6,500-pound classes--very good drivers doing the best they could with their vehicles.Then it was Jack's turn.
As Chamberlain came up to the line, all eyes were on the Toyota Tundra and Jack himself. You see, Mr. Chamberlain has worked up quite a reputation, and for lack of a better term, everyone wanted to take him down.
He destroyed the competition last year, and three to four weeks ago he won the pulls in both classes as well. His enemies, though in the spirit of friendly competition, were many; and he just made matters worse with his awesome performance at the Field Days!
In the 5,500 class, Jack let the Tundra to the right rip, and it was over. All 300 feet were traveled, and he took the number one spot and kept it the rest of the night. Up next was the 6,500-pound pull.
As the above 2010 Toyota Tundra Rock Warrior got up to bat, his friendly enemies were more fearsome then ever; there was no way that the throngs of guys and gals were going to let Jack Chamberlain take the gold again!
The green flag waved, and Jack gunned it. One thing that sticks out in all our minds was how quiet the Rock Warrior was in comparison to other vehicles. After hearing these monster-machines bellow out wails of a banshee and smoke that makes the industrial area of New Jersey's shoreline look like clean air, it was pretty touching, as a Toyota employee, to see the Tundra make so little noise in comparison and NO black smog.
The green flag waved, and Jack gunned it. One thing that sticks out in all our minds was how quiet the Rock Warrior was in comparison to other vehicles. After hearing these monster-machines bellow out wails of a banshee and smoke that makes the industrial area of New Jersey's shoreline look like clean air, it was pretty touching, as a Toyota employee, to see the Tundra make so little noise in comparison and NO black smog.
As the Rock Warrior flew down the track, the entire estimated 8,000 people seemed to hold their breath--Jack was just going so much faster than everyone else that had taken their turn. He flies down the track like lighting, PASSES the 300-foot mark, and something happened that has never occurred in GM Dan Luneau's memory: he had to hit the brakes to keep from slamming into the wall!
This story is a testament to two fantastic, near mythological ideas. First, Jack Chamberlain is a g-d in the realm of the Truck Pull, and the man knows how to drive a Toyota Rock Warrior or other Tundra to it's peak. And two, as Blogmeister Tom Young stated, this was really the vindication of the Tundra's hype. A lot of naysayers thought the Tundra would never live up to the American-made trucks (which of course is ironic since the Tundra is made in America and made of 80% American parts); but the results speak for themselves.
Look for Jack Chamberlain and his now-famous Tundra next year at the Field Days. You will be in for a real treat, we can vouch for that!
This story is a testament to two fantastic, near mythological ideas. First, Jack Chamberlain is a g-d in the realm of the Truck Pull, and the man knows how to drive a Toyota Rock Warrior or other Tundra to it's peak. And two, as Blogmeister Tom Young stated, this was really the vindication of the Tundra's hype. A lot of naysayers thought the Tundra would never live up to the American-made trucks (which of course is ironic since the Tundra is made in America and made of 80% American parts); but the results speak for themselves.
Look for Jack Chamberlain and his now-famous Tundra next year at the Field Days. You will be in for a real treat, we can vouch for that!
July 31, 2010's Main Event
The Tractor Pulls
The Tractor Pulls
The third and final event that was recorded and photographed was the Tractor Pulls, the time in which the Farmer's of Franklin County and the surrounding area get their chance to shine!
The Tractor Pulls play out in similar fashion to the Truck Pulls in that the same weight-supplements are used as well as the same 300-foot track. The big difference--and big is the key word--is that these tractors are not only supremely loud but they have some serious power. I cannot even tell you how loud it was standing four feet away from these monsters as they revved their engines and took off from the start line, but hopefully the video will do it some justice. To put it bluntly, my ears were pretty sore the next day and had a seriously deafening ring in them.
There were several different classes and tractor types that showed up on the starting line to test their limits against the other drivers.
Some of my personal favorites were the older model tractors that, to no surprise due to their old-school rugged build, really performed well. I'm not sure what the reason for this is, whether it's due to lead-based gasoline that was needed in older models or if the lack of pollution regulation from their era that didn't subdue any power; I really don't know, but these older machines had some serious muscle and made some of the newer guys look a little silly.
There were also something called "mod-Tractors" that looked an odd combination of a drag-racing car and a tractor. These may have been even louder than the big boys!
The Tractor Pulls play out in similar fashion to the Truck Pulls in that the same weight-supplements are used as well as the same 300-foot track. The big difference--and big is the key word--is that these tractors are not only supremely loud but they have some serious power. I cannot even tell you how loud it was standing four feet away from these monsters as they revved their engines and took off from the start line, but hopefully the video will do it some justice. To put it bluntly, my ears were pretty sore the next day and had a seriously deafening ring in them.
There were several different classes and tractor types that showed up on the starting line to test their limits against the other drivers.Some of my personal favorites were the older model tractors that, to no surprise due to their old-school rugged build, really performed well. I'm not sure what the reason for this is, whether it's due to lead-based gasoline that was needed in older models or if the lack of pollution regulation from their era that didn't subdue any power; I really don't know, but these older machines had some serious muscle and made some of the newer guys look a little silly.
There were also something called "mod-Tractors" that looked an odd combination of a drag-racing car and a tractor. These may have been even louder than the big boys!
Above you'll see one of the mod-Tractors I was discussing before. I was amazed that these things even existed, having never attended the Field Days before. This photo also shows you how close I was, and keep in mind this was taken after the camera's zoom had broken. As you can see I was probably a bit too close to be standing without hearing protection, but that's what I do for you all to enjoy! So we hope you have!
Extra Photos From Each Event
General Field Days Pictures
The Demolition Derby
The Truck Pulls
The Tractor Pulls
The Airplane Zooming Around!
General Field Days Pictures
The Demolition Derby
The Truck Pulls
The Tractor Pulls