Back in May I was contacted by a representative for the Oliver Roots and Fruits festival asking if we had an antique tractor we could display at their show this year as they were centering the festivities around the towns agricultural heritage.

“I don’t have an antique tractor, but I do have this old 1960’s Massey Ferguson we bought from the town back in the 90’s.”
“Great, why don’t you drive it in the parade and bring it to the festival grounds after.”

Well after being a part of the towns agricultural history for the last 39 years we thought we could do them one better;

Meet Crusty Dustpopper! (we definitely did not clear this with Disney)

We wanted to build a float that was a) on theme b) interactive and c) fun for kids. So we decided after some discussion that a mechanistic crop duster with working spray booms would do just the trick. Only thing we had to do was build it!

Gotta start basic, our 16ft trailer was up for the job.

Next to build a deck and find some tanks for the water supply.

These custom wings were built from scratch.

We needed a little water power, a 30 foot stream should work about right.

We had some serious help from Outreach Signs, who did all the graphics work and banners. This project would not have happened without them.

Ready to go! Yes he tilts, Yes he swivels, Yes his propeller turns, Yes his booms mist, and Yes he has a water cannon in his nose!

And the payoff, check those smiles!

If I had known how much effort this little project was going to be I am sure it would have played out much differently, but it sure was fun!