By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER

Washington Daily News

CHOCOWINITY — Stan Hudson wipes his hands on a rag, steps back and eyes his progress on his latest restoration project.

Hudson, president of the Eastern Antique Power Association, is in the process of restoring a 1968 Farmall Cub tractor, which he hopes to have finished in time for this weekend’s Antique Tractor Show, an annual EAPA project.

“This tractor belongs to Dale and Allison Hudson Mills of Greenville,” Hudson said. “It was purchased from Ayden Tractor by Allison’s grandfather, William Larry Hudson, Sr., who lived in Black Jack. It was used on the farm until 2006 when it was sold out of the family during a farm auction.”

The story doesn’t end there, according to Hudson.

“In 2012, Allison tracked down the owner and bought the tractor back,” he said. “They brought it to me for a complete restoration.”

The 1968 Cub will be among the exhibits during this weekend’s show, which runs Saturday and Sunday at Hudson’s business and show grounds, located on Bear Creek Road west ofChocowinity.

Also on display will be classic automobiles, motorcycle and antique farm equipment.

This marks the 18th year of the show, which celebrates and commemorates the old-time way of life in rural eastern North Carolina.

“We begin Saturday at 10 a.m. with a flag ceremony by Boy Scout Troop 99 of Washington,” Hudson said. “We’ll have pedal tractor races and pedal tractor pulls for the kids, and atnoon we begin our fundraising auction. We’ll have baked goods for sale during the auction as well as new, donated items.”

Monies raised during the auction help the club finance its other big yearly event, a fall fair for individuals with special needs and their families, according to Hudson.

This weekend’s show also includes a parade of power and a slow tractor race, an unusual event during which a winner is determined based on whose tractor can run the slowest without cutting off.

Vendors will also display and sell a little bit of everything during the show, Hudson said. Among the items expected this year are antique tools and farm equipment, collectibles, arts and crafts, wind chimes fashioned from bottles and door decorations. Hot dogs, popcorn, homemade ice cream and shaved ice will add to the country fair atmosphere. Live gospel and bluegrass music will be provided by the group, Unshackled.

The show continues Sunday with exhibits and activities beginning at 1 p.m., according to Hudson.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome. For more information about the Eastern Antique Power Association, visit www.eapa.us or contact Hudson at 252-945-6150.