2017 Massey Exposition of North America (MENA) Dates have Changed!!
Breaking News:
Instead of the 4th weekend in October, the 2017 MENA will now be held on the 3rd weekend in October, the 19th, 20th, and 21st.
Why the change, you ask? Well, that is a story in and of itself, and some of the reality behind it may never be revealed. Here is what I now know.
The “Apple Country Engine & Tractor Association” has held their annual “Fall Harvest Days Antique Engine and Tractor Show” at the WNC Ag Center on the 4th weekend in October for 30 years. After they were selected to host MENA in 2017, they put down their deposit 18 months in advance for the 4th weekend in October, 2017. You would think all was well. But, no…
Around two weeks ago their club was informed by the WNC Ag Center that there was a conflict for that 4th weekend, the Ag Center was going with the other event, and were not going to honor the deposit and reservation made by the tractor club. No good reason was really given. The tractor club immediately jumped into high gear in an attempt to get that decision changed, even making a trip to Raleigh to visit with the State Commissioner of Agriculture. But, all was to no avail on getting this decision overturned.
After reviewing options, the club determined their next best plan might be to move the event forward one weekend. They met with the WNC Ag Center leadership again on Thursday, Feb. 9th, and were told they could hold their show on the grounds the 3rd weekend of October, or not have it at all… From the treatment the tractor club was given, it would have been suitable for them to tell the WNC Ag Center to go pound sand. However, in order to keep their commitment of hosting MENA, the Board of the Apple Country Engine & Tractor Association agreed to hold their annual show on the 3rd weekend of October.
And that, as they say, is that.
I realize this could be upsetting to a lot of folks, and especially those who planned to include a visit to the Ederville Tractor Show, in Carthage, NC, which would have been the following weekend. The Apple Country Club is very sorry about the change, but it is due to circumstances beyond their control. Who would have thought that after 30 years the venue would treat them this way…
In related news, I have created a condensed listing of suitable hotels close to the show grounds. I had that ready to go out, but then I found out about the date problem, so I had to hold off on that until now. I will post that separately here in the discussion forum, and also get it to Jo and Joe to post on the events page. It will also be going out to all of the newsletter editors, along with the updated show flyer.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me either by email or phone.
Thanks,
John Bush