GUSTINE — Engines roared and dust rose over the Gustine High School football stadium July 3 as Gustine FFA hosted its 41st Annual Truck and Tractor Pulls. The longtime tradition brought families, students, alumni, farmers, pullers and community supporters together for a night filled with horsepower and hometown pride.
Held at the Gustine High School football stadium, the event marked more than four decades of one of Gustine’s most anticipated summer traditions. Gustine FFA said the pulls are considered the longest ongoing high school event of their kind in the nation, making the night a point of pride for the school, the FFA chapter and the Westside community.
From the first pull of the evening, the crowd stayed locked in. Trucks and tractors worked their way down the track as cheers filled the stadium. Families packed the stands, kids watched wide‑eyed from the sidelines, and the energy grew as the night continued.
“This is one of those Gustine events that brings everybody out,” said Mike Silkes. “You see families, former students, farmers, teachers and kids all in one place. It is loud, dusty and perfect.”
For Carlos Reis, the event’s significance goes beyond the excitement on the track. “The best part is knowing this supports the students,” Reis said. “FFA teaches responsibility, hard work and pride in agriculture, and this event shows all of that in one night.”
The pulls also gave younger students and families a chance to experience something unique to Gustine. With bright lights, powerful engines and a track full of action, the event offered plenty to keep the crowd entertained.
“My kids were smiling the whole time,” said Elena Santos. “They loved the noise, the trucks and just being around so many people. It felt like summer in Gustine.”
Marissa Garcia said the event blended excitement with community spirit. “It was fun from start to finish,” Garcia said. “The FFA students and supporters did such a great job. You could tell a lot of work went into making the night special.”
For some of the youngest fans, the favorite part was simple. “The big trucks were awesome,” said Lucas Fernandes, 10. “I liked when they went really far and everyone started cheering.”
Ava Silva, 8, said she enjoyed the tractors and being with her family. “It was loud, but it was fun,” she said. “I want to come again next year.”
The event was made possible through the work of Gustine FFA, the Valley Tractor Pullers Association and the many supporters who help keep the tradition moving forward. Gustine FFA thanked its supporters for continuing to make the annual pulls possible.
Beyond the action on the track, the night served as a reminder of how strong Gustine’s support for its students remains. Events like the Truck and Tractor Pulls help raise funds, build community pride and showcase the dedication of FFA members who represent the school and town with hard work and enthusiasm.
As the final pulls wrapped up, the dust settled on another successful year for the Gustine FFA Truck and Tractor Pulls. After 41 years, the event continues to prove that some traditions do more than entertain — they bring a community together, one roaring engine at a time.
