Besides antique tractors, some old-fashioned horsepower plows furrows in a Plow Days demonstration at Parsons Dairy Farm Saturday in Gorham. This team, Mack and Mike, is driven by owner Bob Jerrier of Lyman.

Mules can plow, too. Jim Larocque of Minot and his team, Jane and Josie, show how to plow up a corn field last Saturday at Plow Days, held at Parsons Dairy Farm,

Shane Lovejoy of Gorham displays his antique Farmall Saturday.

Plow Days exhibits horsepower

The annual antique tractor Plow Days at Parsons Dairy Farm in Gorham featured a variety of makes and models along with some old-fashioned horsepower.

Besides tractors this year, teams of horses and mules showed their muscle plowing corn fields. Russell Parsons said 20 antique tractors owners in Maine attended the event, displaying iron horsepower. Shane Lovejoy of Gorham exhibited his 1954 Farmall MTA.

Bob Jerrier of Lyman was on hand with his horse team, Mack and Mike. The team weighed 4,950 pounds. “They are big boys,” Jerrier said.

Jim Larocque of Minot demonstrated plowing with his team of white mules, sisters named Jane and Josie. They easily handled the chore.

Another teamster, Richard Fortin of Dayton, and his team, King and Pete, showed their skill and power.

White Rock Grange provided breakfast and lunch. Reports were that the meals, served in the farm’s maple sugar house, sold out.

Madison essay contest

The Gorham Republican Committee is sponsoring its 5th annual essay contest, the Madison Prize for Written Excellence.”

The contest is open to all Gorham students in grades 6, 7 and 8 whether public, private or home-schooled.

This year’ question is “Is Our Democratic Process Under Threat?” Essays must be between 300 and 400 words and submitted with an entry form. The winning entry will be awarded $250 and two runners up will receive $100 each.

Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Nov. 21. For more information, email gorhamgopcommittee@gmail.com.

Blood donors needed

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood donation opportunity from 1-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, at the Gorham Municipal Center, 75 South St.

“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and others,” it said in a press release.

Redeemer Lutheran gala

The Redeemer Lutheran Church, 410 Main St., Gorham, is hosting a fall gala from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, in honor of the 500th anniversary of the reformation.

The event includes a giant yard sale with books, crafts and baked goods in addition to a multimedia living history exhibit. Free food and refreshments will be provided to the community.

For more information, contact the Rev. Timothy Sandeno at 839-7100 or email redeemermaine@gmail.com

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on Oct. 13 that the U.S. public debt was $20,384,194,022,196.04.