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A High Country Tradition ‘Crank-Up’ Begins July 26

By Anthony Wyatt

July 25, 2012. For over three decades, the Crank-Up antique and model engine expo has been revving up in the High Country and bringing along its unique fun, food and merchandise. This year’s event opens up on Thursday, July 26, and is sure to be an exciting and high-octane festival for the whole family.

The event’s focus is to celebrate the craftsmanship and engineering of antique motors, classic “Hit & Miss” engines and tractors of all ages. Also staples of this annual expo are merchandise, model engines and homemade ice cream. Vendors will be on hand during the three-day event selling food as well as unique and antique items. There will also be a working wood lathe on display and an operating corn meal grinder for spectators to see.

On Saturday, Crank-Up will be holding its two biggest events: a children’s pedal tractor pull and a tractor parade. Kids can enter the pedal car tractor pull for free, and prizes will be awarded for the best pulls. On the afternoon of July 28, the last day of the event, the “Parade of Power” will put on display dozens of antique and modern tractors.

Crank-Up will be held in the same location as year’s event, a field across from the New Laurel Spring Baptist Church on U.S. Highway 421 South in Deep Gap. Gates will open at 9 a.m. daily and the event will run from July 26-28. Admission rates are as follows:

  • $5 for a one-day pass
  • $6 for a two-day pass
  • $8 for a three-day pass
  • $3 for a Friday pass for seniors
  • Free for children 12 and under

So, mark your calendars for this annual High Country tradition and spend either the day or the weekend enjoying this one-of-a-kind tractor and engine festival.

The event is sponsored by Carolina Fly-Wheelers, Inc. a non-profit historical organization located in Boone. For more information on Crank-Up, contact: 

Betty Hodges – 828-264-4977

Jeff Hodges – 828-265-1771

Lynn Castle (Food) – 828-264-8056

Daniel Wayt (Merchandise) – 828-773-8513