RIO LINDA, CA — Dust off your overalls and get ready to step back in time. The Rio Linda/Elverta Historical Society (RLEHS) has officially announced the return of a local favorite: the 31st Annual Farm & Tractor Days.
Scheduled for Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16, 2026, this year’s event promises a nostalgic journey through the region’s deep agricultural roots. Held at the historic Dry Creek Ranch House, the gates will be open from 9 AM to 4 PM both days, offering a mix of mechanical marvels, family activities, and community spirit.
A Celebration with a Heart: Remembering Ralph Hants
This year’s celebration carries a special significance. The 31st Annual Farm & Tractor Days is dedicated to the memory of Ralph Leland Hants (1944–2025).
A lifelong fixture in the Rio Linda and Natomas communities, Ralph was much more than a volunteer; he was a Director, the society’s primary mechanic, and a tireless equipment operator. Whether he was turning a wrench on a vintage tractor or operating a backhoe for a community project, Ralph’s mechanical genius and friendly nature were the backbone of the RLEHS. This event honors his legacy of service and his passion for preserving the “iron” that built this town.
What to Expect: From Engines to Animals
The event is designed to be a living museum, where the history of Rio Linda isn’t just viewed behind glass—it’s heard, smelled, and experienced.
- Mechanical Legends: Marvel at an extensive collection of antique tractors, cars, and fire trucks. A crowd favorite remains the rhythmic “putt-putt” of the hit & miss engines, which once powered everything from water pumps to grain mills on early 20th-century farms.
- Family Fun: Children (and those young at heart) can enjoy hay rides, meet friendly farm animals, and participate in the Pinewood Derby.
- Museum Tours: The Dry Creek Ranch House Museum will be open for tours, offering a rare look inside the 1917-era home that stands as a monument to Rio Linda’s ranching history.
- The Saturday Main Events: Saturday features the high-energy Tractor Parade and the Tractor Parts Swap Meet, a must-visit for restoration enthusiasts looking for that elusive vintage bolt or belt.
Education Day (Friday): School groups are highly encouraged to visit on Friday. It’s a unique opportunity for students to see the evolution of farming technology firsthand, from manual labor to the machine age.
The Roots of Rio Linda
To understand Farm & Tractor Days, one must look at the land it sits on. Rio Linda was originally part of the Rancho Del Paso Mexican land grant. By the early 1900s, the area was subdivided and became famous for its poultry production—so much so that it was once known as the “Poultry Capital of the World.”
The Rio Linda/Elverta Historical Society was formed in 1991 to ensure these stories weren’t lost to time. Their headquarters at the Dry Creek Ranch House, located on 145 acres of the Dry Creek Parkway, serves as the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates the grit and ingenuity of the pioneer families who settled here.
Event Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Dates | May 15–16, 2026 |
| Time | 9 AM – 4 PM |
| Location | 6852 Dry Creek Road, Rio Linda |
| Cost | Free Admission (Donations to RLEHS encouraged) |
| Friday Feature | Education Day / School Groups |
| Saturday Feature | Swap Meet (7 AM) / Tractor Parade (2 PM) |
Contacts:
- Vendors/Sponsors: Jessica, 916-969-4009
- General/Swap Meet: Jason, 916-716-6845
- Tractor Show: Deacon, 209-810-5913
For more information, scan the QR code on the official flyer or visit the RLEHS website to learn how you can help preserve our rural heritage.
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