In 1992, a need
developed to have an organized group to run the Fulton County Fair pull.
A group of men then organized the club as Maumee Valley Pullers (MVP).
The following year, the club began running the fair pulls - both the
day and evening shows.
In 1995, MVP purchased
a used sled. After extensive modification, the club began using it the
following year. Also in 1995, Henry County Fair ran into sled troubles
and inquired about using MVP's equipment for their fair pull. After
the sled's successful use, the club realized the opportunities in renting
the sled, as well as providing expertise for running pulls.
In 1997, MVP made
a portable scale for use in pulling. Additionally, more sled modifications
were made, motorizing it to eliminate the need for a pullback tractor.
Having run the Fulton
County Fair pull successfully finally paid off in 1997, when the Fair
pull was awarded NTPA Regional Pull of the Year. A highly prized award,
it is based on the votes of the competitors themselves. The Fulton County
Fair pull, as run by MVP, has won this award every year since then.
In 1999, the club
incorporated as Maumee Valley Pullers, Inc.
Since 1999, MVP
has participated in many events, renting its equipment, supplying labor
and expertise to pulls in Ohio and Michigan.
In 2002, MVP started
another chapter in its history by holding its first NATPA national qualifier,
bringing 300 plus tractors to Wauseon, Ohio. This pull was held the
weekend following the Thanksgiving holiday.
Membership is available
to anyone interested in tractor pulling and working behind the scenes.
Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at the Fulton County
Fairground offices. Membership consists of yearly dues, working at events
and celebrating at an annual pulling club banquet.
For additional information,
see the site's contact page.