The Lewistown Valley Grange 1639 is hosting its first ever Tractor Day Saturday at the Heisler's Dair Bar in Lewistown Valley (Tamaqua). Organizers point out that the purpose of this event is to get the public interested in agriculture. They added that agriculture is the basis of everything, such as food and clothing.

"The event is set up to teach the importance of farming and farmers," said organizer Jess Bensinger. "Most public people don't realize that the food they eat comes originally from a farmer's hard work and not from a grocery store. We are putting on this event to hopefully reach out to the public and get them interested."Pointing out the decline in membership, Bensinger said, "My goal, as being one of the younger members, is to get people interested by this event and possibly look into becoming a member."The Grange is a family, community organization with its roots in agriculture. Founded in 1867, the Grange was formed as a national organization with a local focus. Members are given the opportunity to learn and grow to their full potential as citizens and leaders.According the their website, the family is the base of the organization with full membership beginning at age 14. Women have been equal members since the inception of the Grange. They also have a Junior Grange program for children age 5 to 14, that encourages youngest members of the family learn about community values and citizenship, which develop leadership skills of young adults and young married couples.The foundation of the organization is the Community Grange, which can be found in rural, suburban and urban communities. Faith, hope, charity, and fidelity are the basic lessons of the Community Grange.The event is free to spectators and will be held Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Heisler's Dairy Bar in Lewistown Valley.All models, makes, and years of tractors are welcome; such as restored and field ready tractors. Anyone who wants to register a tractor is encouraged to contact Jess Bensinger via Facbook or by phone (570) 668-4902/(570) 778-3856. For more information on the Grange, goto

http://www.nationalgrange.org/Bensinger encourages everyone to come and get a glimpse of past and present farm tractors.