Have you ever attended the Buckley Old Engine Show just south of Traverse City? Whether you are a green or a red tractor fan, they have it all! If you have attended, you might have seen Gina Weber, a senior loan processor in GreenStone's Traverse City office, there serving some homemade cooking at the St. Patrick Church Food Booth.
Weber and her family have been attending this event since the 1980s, back when it was the Buckley Old Engine Show/Green Bean Festival. "My husband used to be involved with it when he was a teenager. The show has been around for a long time, so it has become a family thing." Keeping up with tradition her son, Cody, has also entered his antique tractor in the past to be exhibited at the show.
Cody Weber driving his 1957 International Utility Tractor during the Old Buckley Show
Weber didn't get involved with volunteering at the show until about five years ago. "I decided once my youngest son graduated, that it was time to start volunteering. I find it so much fun," Weber says with a smile.
The Buckley show has been around since the late sixties, after a group of friends decided that showing each other their tractors instead of just talking about them was better. After setting a date to meet up word got out, and others came to see the history of the old engines and equipment.
Now, thousands of people attend the Buckley show each year to see antique tractors being displayed from all over Michigan. Attendees enjoy a variety of things like the large flea market, live bands, and lots of antique tractors!
Antique Farmall Club tractor
One place known to serve great food each year is the Saint Patrick’s Church Food Booth. They are packed full of happy customers each year. "We serve breakfast and lunch. It is all pretty much homemade. All the ladies make a bunch of pies, and we have ice cream," shared Weber. "It felt like this year the line was just never ending. It was wonderful!"
Over the past several years Weber has mastered each position of the food booth from prepping the food to passing out food. She can't wait to help out again next year!
GreenStone is proud to support employees like Weber to get out of the office and help with the community! Learn more about our community outreach and engagement efforts by visiting our Outreach page here.
