Friday, December 19, 2014

National Anthem Performers Take Center Stage at LSGTPA Shows

The Lone Star Garden Tractor Pullers Association was founded in 1999, as a group dedicated to sharing in the fun and promoting the sport of tractor pulling.  The group members have a passion for the sport, and share in the excitement that comes with each and every show.  Each and every LSGTPA tractor pulling event, begins with opening ceremonies that include a salute to our Nation's flag, and a performance of the National Anthem.  The National Anthem performance is an important part of each event, and the LSGTPA is proud to have had some great performers deliver the song to fans and competitors.

Haley Harrelson began the recent focus on LSGTPA live performances, with her outstanding delivery of the National Anthem in 2010.   During opening ceremonies of the Hunt County Fair event in Greenville, Texas, Harrelson performed in front of the fair crowd, and wowed the fans with her stirring rendition of the Anthem. Harrelson began singing at an early age, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and was winning contests by the age of ten.  She traveled and performed with Vince Vance and the Valiants for three years.  The Texas performer and recording artist headlined shows at Forney Opry, and would go on to tour with the band Rowdy Drive.  The talented Harrelson, has an incredible vocal range, and a powerful voice, able to carry songs from genres of blues, country, rock, and gospel.  Harrelson would set the bar high, performing for multiple LSGTPA events in 2010 and 2011.  The LSGTPA fans may see a return of Harrelson in 2015 !

Haley Harrelson performs the National Anthem during the Hunt County Fair in Greenville, Texas.

Haley Harrelson performs the National Anthem during the Hunt County Fair LSGTPA event.

Haley Harrelson onstage at the Forney Opry.


Rising star Amber Carrington would stop by the Hunt County Fair, in 2012, with National Anthem performances on both Friday and Saturday night shows.  This talented music artist of Rockwall, Texas, began singing by the age of 9, and frequented a variety of venues including Rodeo City Music Hall, Grapevine Opry, and Johnnie High's Country Revue.  After winning talent contests locally, including Big D Opry at Gilley's and Rockwall's Got Talent, Carrington would take the country by storm, with a semi-finals finish on NBC's top rated show, 'The Voice'.  The Texas native now resides in Nashville, writing and recording with award winning country musicians and singers.

Amber Carrington performs the National Anthem during the Hunt County Fair.


Amber Carrington 

Amber Carrington

Amber Carrington


Up and coming talent Bailey Melvin, would take to the LSGTPA stage in 2012, performing in Blue Ridge, Texas during the Bill Halter Memorial Pull.  Since her National Anthem debut performance, Melvin has returned to perform each year for the LSGTPA, and has recorded over eight National Anthem performances for the LSGTPA events.  Melvin was part of the first duet performance of the National Anthem for the LSGTPA, when the talented singer enlisted the assistance of Morgan Dellow for three events in 2013.  The pair delivered amazing performances each time, with complimentary voices providing great harmony.  Melvin continues to arrange her time for LSGTPA performances, and will be on the 2015 LSGTPA schedule.

Bailey Melvin performs the National Anthem, during the Bill Halter Memorial Pull in Blue Ridge, Texas

Rising star Bailey Melvin, performs the National Anthem during the Bonham Heritage Day LSGTPA tractor pull.

Bailey Melvin

Ashliegh Lisset would deliver the National Anthem for the LSGTPA event in Farmersville, Texas in 2012. Hailing from Dallas, Lisset has been passionate about her music since the age of 12.  The singer-songwriter has recorded multiple original works, and has had great success with several singles, including 'Target On My Heart',  'Kill The Headlights', and 'Its OK To Lie'.  Lisset would perform during the Farmersville event, having just recovered from illness, and in cold weather.  Lisset delivered an incredible performance, sporting a #83 jersey for the Texas T-Rex LSGTPA pulling team !  Lisset continues to work on making her dreams come true, performing and recording in Nashville.

Alli Trusty would make her LSGTPA debut performance of the National Anthem in Farmersville as well, delivering an outstanding rendition to open the show in 2013.


Ashliegh Lisset performs the National Anthem during the Farmersville Old Time Saturday LSGTPA event.

Ashliegh Lisset tries on the Texas T-Rex, after her National Anthem performance in Farmersville, Texas


Ashliegh Lisset visits with Lane Duncan, after her National Anthem performance in Farmersville.

Ashliegh Lisset



Many of the amazing performers that stop by the LSGTPA events, are making their first appearance at a tractor pull.  Most of these talented artists find the events fun and entertaining, and many stay to watch the competition before heading down the road to pursue their music interests.  But, at least one talented young singer had other plans.  The multi-talented Chloe Brown, made her LSGTPA National Anthem performance debut in Bartlett, Texas in 2013.  After her awesome performance during opening ceremonies, this young lady entered the Youth Class competition, and pulled to a top three finish !

Chloe Brown

Chloe Brown

In 2014, local high school talent was showcased at several LSGTPA events.  The inaugural Delta County Fair and Livestock Show, in Cooper, Texas, featured the vocal talents of Micalyn Rowe during the opening ceremonies.  Rowe is a Cooper High School Band Drum Major and choir member, with an outstanding vocal talent.  Rowe is a featured National Anthem performer at Cooper High School football games and various sporting events in the area.

Micalyn Rowe performs the National Anthem at the LSGTPA event in Cooper, Texas.

During the Bonham Heritage Day Tractor Pull, Grace Johnson delivered an outstanding National Anthem performance, representing the Bonham High School Choir.  Johnson was among an award winning chorale group at Bonham High School, and as a freshman, earned a Superior Rating during Division 1 Regional UIL competition.  With short notice of the event, Johnson delivered an impressive rendition of the Anthem, much to the delight of her hometown crowd.


Grace Johnson delivers the National Anthem, during the Bonham Heritage Day Celebration Tractor Pull.

Grace Johnson visits with Lane Duncan, after her National Anthem performance in Bonham, Texas.

During the Johnson County Antique Tractor Pulling event in Alvarado, Red Oak High School Choir member Payton Le'ann Alaniz delivered an outstanding  performance of the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies.  Alaniz has an amazing gospel singing talent, and can channel that gift into stirring country performances.  Alaniz' recent cover of the Miranda Lambert hit, 'More Like Her', scored a finalist appearance during a recent Red Oak Talent Contest.

Payton Le'ann Alaniz with the National Anthem presentation in Alvarado, Texas.

Payton Le'ann Alaniz 

The DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival Tractor Pull featured an awesome performance, with a dash of royalty.  After her crowning as De Leon Peach and Melon Festival Queen, Payton Williams made her appearance to open the event, with her outstanding rendition of the National Anthem.  Payton was accompanied by her mother, Paige Williams, as the awesome duet opened the show for the pullers and fans.  The duo delivered a great performance to kick off a great day of tractor pulling.

Payton and Paige Williams perform the National Anthem, during the DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival Tractor Pull

Payton Williams performed the National Anthem, after being crowned Deleon Peach and Melon Festival Queen.



The super talented Emily McCoy made her LSGTPA appearance in 2014.  Her flawless performance of the National Anthem during the Rockdale Fair & Rodeo LSGTPA event, was the first of three on the day, for the singer.  Her smooth sound and confident delivery, makes performing the National Anthem sound easy, and sends chills through the crowd during her amazing presentation.  One of the top National Anthem performers in the state, this country artist is no stranger to the stage, as she has recorded multiple finalist appearances during the annual 4-H Has Talent Competition in Texas.  McCoy was titled Miss Rockdale in 2013, and has made appearances during the NBC show 'The Voice' auditions. Performing regionally since kindergarten, this amazing artist can be found performing occasionally throughout Texas, and is certainly worth the admission of any event.

Emily McCoy

Emily McCoy delivers the National Anthem during the Rockdale Fair & Rodeo LSGTPA tractor pull.

Emily McCoy



The LSGTPA would like to thank these music artists, and all of the National Anthem performers that have delivered 'The Star-Spangled Banner' for the pulling events.  These performers, and others, have provided the LSGTPA with their talents and abilities, and have added a great component to the LSGTPA events.  Not only do these performing artists add such a great feature to the show, these singers help to properly salute our Nations flag, and honor those of this great country who have provided for the freedoms that we all enjoy.

As the 2015 schedule is finalized, the LSGTPA will work to arrange for talented artists to open each and every event, with the performance of our National Anthem. We salute those who have performed for the LSGTPA events in the past, and look forward to showcasing the talents of those who perform in the future events !

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

LSGTPA 2014 SEASON RECAP and HIGHLIGHTS

The Lone Star Garden Tractor Pulling Association 2014 season is in the history books, and featured some pretty entertaining chapters.  By the numbers, the season involved 50 entries from 25 teams, competing in 11 events in 10 different cities, for titles in each of 9 classes.

The season began with the Delta County Fair and Livestock Show event, in Cooper, Texas.  The inaugural event drew a great crowd and featured a full house of pulling teams, hoping to start the season off right.  Rocky Young Construction provided an excellent pulling track, and Aidan Hovind used the event to start a five-in-a-row winning streak to take the early lead in his run for the Stock Class Championship title.
Aidan Hovind scores a win at the Delta County Fair & Livestock Show Pull.

The next event was to be the only double-header on the 2014 tour schedule, held during the Hunt County Fair in Greenville, Texas.  This event was chosen by the Fox Sports Southwest and the Chevy Hometown Kids program, to film the LSGTPA Youth Class for an episode of Chevy Hometown Kids !  While the Youth Class competitors managed to steal the show, Colby Crowe stole the heart of Sarah Moody, and the hearts of the fans, with an on track marriage proposal.  The wild event did not distract Ken Langham, Sr, as he took the title in the Super Rod Class in back to back wins on the weekend, to build on a lead to take him to the Super Rod Class Championship.
Chevy Hometown Kids host, Emily Reppert, is presented with an honorary trophy by the LSGTPA Youth Class.

Colby Crowe scores a win of Sarah Moody's heart, during the Hunt County Fair Tractor Pull in Greenville.

Ken Langham, Sr. pilots his Bonham Service Center tractor, to back to back wins at Greenville.

The tour moved to Bonham, Texas for the next event, held during the Bonham Heritage Day celebration.  Held at the scenic Powder Creek Park facility, the event was contested along the historic railroad at the Bonham Depot.  Steve Pierce piloted his 'Buzzards Roost' tractor to a win in the Motorcycle Class, and would ride at the top of the class enroute to his Motorcycle Class Championship.
Steve Pierce pilots his 'Buzzards Roost' machine to victory in Bonham, Texas.

The DeLeon Peach and Melon Festival would be the fifth event on the 2014 schedule, and Jerry Toland owned the day in the Mini Rod Class.  Toland would stack four wins together on the season, aboard his 'Shinin Time' tractor, to earn the Mini Rod Class Championship title.
'Shinin Time' flying high at DeLeon, scoring the win for Jerry Toland's 2014 Championship run.

As the pulling season arrived at the half way point, championship points started to become a hot commodity. During the Bill Halter Memorial event in Blue Ridge, Ken Langham, Sr. got hot as well, as he piloted his Bonham Service Center entry to a five-in-a-row winning streak, which locked up his Stock Altered Championship title for 2014.

Ken Langham rides his Bonham Service Center tractor to a win in Blue Ridge, Texas.
After a month long summer break, the pullers began a five weekend marathon to close out the season.  The first of the five weekend series began in Bartlett, Texas during the Old Town Festival in September.  Paul Smith took his 'Texan' machine to the victory, and to the class lead, on his way to the Outlaw Class Championship.


Paul Smith aboard his 'Texan' tractor, pulls to victory in Bartlett, Texas.

The tour would stop in Alvarado, Texas, for an event at the Pioneers and Old Settlers Reunion Grounds.  Jared Stephan would take the Youth Class title, aboard his 'Iron Head' tractor, to place his Moody Pulling Team entry at the front of the pack of youth competitors.  Stephan would close out the season with consistently strong performances, to take the Youth Class Championship for 2014.
Jared Stephan takes the win in the Youth Class, on his run to the 2014 Championship.

As the teams rolled into Farmersville, Texas for the Old Time Saturday event, several classes were still up for grabs.  One of the classes, too close to call regarding the points battle, was the Stock Diesel Class.  Ken Langham, Jr. would place his Bonham Service Center entry atop the podium at Farmersville, and go on to win two out of the last three events, to take the Stock Diesel Class Championship.
Ken Langham, Jr., takes the win and the points lead during the Old Time Saturday pull in Farmersville.

The odds of five good weekends in a row in Texas, for outdoor tractor pulling, proved extremely low in probability for October.  Calculations varied, but none were good.  As the teams rolled into Wills Point, for the Rolling Oaks Volunteer Fire Department event, rain had rolled into the area as well.  But, the show must go on, and indeed it did !  The Shawn Aufdenkamp entry put on a great showing, and used a win at the last two events to seal the Big Stock Class Championship title for the Outlaw Pulling Team.
John Aufdenkamp takes the win during the Rolling Oaks VFD event in Wills Point, Texas.

The season finale was held at the Rockdale Fair and Rodeo, in Rockdale, Texas.  This event is contested on the historic horse racing track, at the Rockdale Fairgrounds.  Performing artist Emily McCoy opened the show with an outstanding performance of our National Anthem, followed by a ceremony to honor Skeet Degner.  After the event, during which the 2014 season Championship titles were secured, Rockdale Fair and Rodeo Queen, Julianna Byrd was on hand to present trophies.

Emily McCoy delivers an outstanding National Anthem performance during the Rockdale Fair & Rodeo Pull.

Opening ceremonies included a salute to Skeet Degner, at the Rockdale Fair & Rodeo LSGTPA event.

Donny Mayo saves the best for last, as he scores the victory aboard 'Blackfoot Squaw' at the LSGTPA season finale.

Rockdale Royalty was on hand, as Rodeo Queen Julianna Byrd presented trophies.




******  stay tuned to the LSGTPA Blog, as we hope to bring a special entry to salute our National Anthem Performers, our 2014 Champions, and a 'secret shop tour' edition during the off-season !  *******

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

2014 LSGTPA Champions

Old Town Festival




YOUTH CLASS - JARED STEPHAN - "IRON HEAD"
STOCK CLASS - AIDAN HOVIND - "YES DEERE"
STOCK DIESEL - KEN LANGHAM, JR.  - "LONGHORN EXPRESS PULLING TEAM"
BIG STOCK - SHAWN AUFDENKAMP - "OUTLAW PULLING TEAM"
STOCK ALTERED - KEN LANGHAM, SR. - "BONHAM SERVICE CENTER"
BIG BIKE - STEVE PIERCE - "BUZZARDS ROOST"
OUTLAW - PAUL SMITH - "TEXAN"
MINI ROD - JERRY TOLAND - "SHININ TIME"
SUPER ROD - KEN LANGHAM, SR. - "BONHAM SERVICE CENTER"

Checkout the complete Points Standings at LSGTPA Points


Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Rockdale Fair & Rodeo LSGTPA Tractor Pull Results

The Rockdale Fair & Rodeo was the site for the Lone Star Garden Tractor Pulling Association 2014 season finale.  With 2014 LSGTPA Championship titles on the line, the pulling teams had their drivers and tractors ready for action, and on the edge.  Great weather and great track conditions made for an outstanding day of tractor pulling. 

Emily McCoy, the 2012 Rockdale Fair & Rodeo Queen, returned to the fairgrounds  to perform the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies.  The first of three National Athem performances on the day for Ms. McCoy, the talented entertainer presented an outstanding rendition to start the LSGTPA show.  Additional Rockdale Royalty was on hand, with 2014 Rockdale Fair & Rodeo Queen Runnerup, Julianna Byrd,  presenting the awards during trophy presentations. 

Emily McCoy performs the National Anthem during the Rockdale Fair & Rodeo Tractor Pull.

The LSGTPA Youth Class competitors would take to the historic horse racing track first, with Jared Stephan pulling to the win aboard his 'Iron Head' tractor.  Mason Hovind used a Full Pull, to finish in the runnerup spot aboard 'Yes Deere', with Jared Stephan taking third on the 'Rusteze' entry.  Kody Langham scored a fourth place finish, with Lane Duncan taking fifth place aboard his 'Texas T-Rex' tractor.  Megan Baird pulled to a sixth place finish.
Jared Stephan launches his 'IronHead' tractor downtrack, during the LSGTPA event in Rockdale.

The Stock Class title was taken by Steve Hovind aboard the 'Yes Deere' tractor, with Claude Lewis scoring the runnerup.  John Aufdenkamp rode 'Rusteze' to a third place finish.  Claude Lewis drove the 'Skeeter' tractor to a fourth place finish, and Kolby Langham pulled to a top five finish to round out the field.  In Stock Diesel, Ken Langham, Jr. scored the win, with Steve Hovind placing second aboard the 'BuckShot' tractor.

Alton Degner steers his 'It'll Do' tractor, towards the finish line at the Rockdale Fairgrounds.

In Big Stock, John Aufdenkamp took the win with Alex Jesko placing second aboard his 'Overtime' tractor.  Kolby Langham pulled to a third place finish atop the 'Texas Thunder' machine,  with Jerry Toland scoring fourth aboard 'Triple Deuce'.  Alton Degner placed his 'It'll Do' machine in the fifth place position.  Stock Altered tractors were led by John Aufdenkamp aboard 'Under the Influence', with Alex Jesko scoring the runnerup aboard 'Outlaw'.  Michael Mayberry drove his 'Pulling For Peanuts' tractor to the third spot on the podium. 


The Big Bike Class title belonged to Steve Pierce and 'Buzzards Roost', with Paul 'Superman' Smith scoring the runnerup aboard his 'Texan' tractor.
Paul 'Superman' Smith guides the 'Texan' tractor toward a win, at the Rocdale Fair & Rodeo tractor pull.
The 'Texan' tractor would return, to score the victory in the Outlaw Class, with Paul 'Superman' Smith again at the reigns.  The Mini Rod Class tractor field was paced by Sarah Moody, aboard her turbocharged diesel '99% Moody' John Deere machine.  Jerry Toland used a second place finish aboard 'Shinin Time', to secure his tenth championship in the class.  Colby Crowe piloted the 'Weekend Warrior' tractor to the third spot.  David Houchen took the 'Back In The Day' tractor to fourth. 

John Kiemele and 'Dodge This' in action during the Rockdale Fair & Rodeo LSGTPA tractor pull.


The Super Rod Class tractors closed a great show, with Donny Mayo aboard the six cylinder powered 'Blackfoot Squaw' tractor, taking the win.  Ken Langham, Sr. pulled to the runnerup, with Randell Moody taking third aboard his 'Ridge Runner'.  John Kiemele scored a fourth place finish aboard the 'Dodge This' tractor.  
Donny Mayo and his 'Blackfoot Squaw' tractor, pull to a victory at the Rockdale Fair & Rodeo tractor pull.
Rockdale Fair & Rodeo Queen Runnerup, Julianna Byrd, presented trophies during the awards presentations.