Letter: 'Best Show on Tracks' showcased history

I wish to express giant compliments to the Dan Best family of Knights Landing and other sponsors for the finest local agricultural history event at "The Best Show on Tracks," June 20 and 21. Thousand of attendees witnessed a 27-mule team pulling a harvester, steam-engine tractors, and all precursors of the modern Caterpillar tractors manufactured today. Years of planning went into this one-time event which was explained in a brochure. Personally, I was able to see Holt and Caterpillar tractors that I rode on with my father while he planted rice in Butte County. My grandfather helped build the Sutter Bypass levee and parts of Highway 20 with these machines.

I was very disappointed that the Appeal-Democrat had no mention nor coverage of this event in its Sunday Farm section. It represented so much of our local heritage and third- and fourth-generation agricultural families in our area. When you think about the history of the tractor crawler, you realize the importance this invention played in World War I and II, all phases of modern reconstruction, and worldwide sustainable agriculture today. C.L. Best and his descendants have provided a nostalgic adventure into our past. Thank you so much.

Melinda Bayles Nevis
Live Oak