ALPENA– For the first time in more than 15 years, members of the Alpena Future Farmers Association chapter and the Alpena Alpena Future Farmers Association Alumni recently completed a restoration project of a 1955 Ford 640 tractor.

The tractor was purchased by the FFA in December 2022 from Don’s Tractor and Equipment Sales of Alpena with the support of the Alpena FFA Alumni. Don’s Tractors and other businesses such as Tractor Supply, CarQuest, and Mickey’s Motors assisted the FFA members with the acquisition of parts and supplies.

The restoration began in January and saw FFA numbers working closely with FFA alumni John and Johanna Eller, Ethan Leatzow, and Barry Rondeau to clean parts, add new paint, and replace plugs, wiring, battery, seat, tires, and lights among other things.

The entire process was completed in May.

The FFA and alumni will raffle the restored tractor with tickets available for $10 each or $20 for three. The proceeds from the raffle will be used for future restoration projects.

Tickets will be available for sale in July and August on the following dates and locations:

* July 7 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Don’s Tractor Sales in Alpena

* July 10 to 14 at Hardie’s Feed & Agriculture Supply in Hillman

* July 22 at Alpena Tractor Supply from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

* July 31 to Aug. 4 at Mickey’s Motors in Ossineke

* Aug.15 to 18th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Alpena County Fair

* Aug.19 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Alpena County Fair

Tickets can also be purchased through Alpena FFA Alumni members or by contacting FFA Advisor Melissa Smith at smithmm@alpenaschools.com.

The winner of the raffle will be announced on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Alpena County Fair.