OXFORD – Excitement was building Friday afternoon as contestants arrived from throughout the Northeast for this weekend’s 15th annual Pine Tree Steer & Ox Association Pull.
This event, held at the Oxford County Fairgrounds on Pottle Road off Route 26, is the largest gathering of oxen in the United States. One hundred and thirty pairs of oxen competed in last year’s event, association President Brett McConkey said.
McConkey is superintendent of this year’s pull and responsible for assuring that all animals are properly cared for and not abused. He, as other certified superintendents, attends classes given by the Maine Department of Agriculture to maintain his license.
Oxen have played a key role in the history of New England and the nation.
Oxen were the draft animals of choice in the wagon trains of the westward migration. They were better suited to the harsh terrain, more manageable under stress, and easier to maintain than horses.
During the Great Depression, frugal New England farmers sold their horses and kept the oxen, which were cheaper to feed and care for. This accounts for the continued popularity of oxen in Maine and the Northeast.
People can see these gentle giants in action this weekend. Contests begin at 9 a.m. today and 8 a.m. Sunday.
There are 18 classes competing. Classes are based on the weight of the oxen, and the age and sex of the drivers.
Some contests are to determine which team can pull the most weight a distance of 6 feet. Other contests are to determine which team can pull a weight the farthest in three minutes for small oxen, or in five minutes for larger animals.
This morning’s activities begin with oxen teams of 1,000 pounds and under driven by boys and girls 12 years old and under. They are followed by teams of 1,200 pounds and under driven by boys and girls 16 years old and under.
Contests will continue throughout the day, with classes for oxen of various weights, up to the Sweep Stakes class, which weigh more than 4,000 pounds per pair.
For more information, people may contact Marlene Robinson at 625-3683.
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