Hidden gem of household enjoyable at LI Antique Power Association truck pull

Traffic heading west on Sound Ave. May 16 was backed up — not pumpkin season backed up — however noticeable sufficient as pickup after pickup waited to show into the Long Island Antique Power Association for an occasion discovered nowhere else on Long Island.

It was opening night time of LIAPA’s 2026 truck pull season, the place members chain their vehicles, tractors and different autos to a steel sled holding growing quantities of concrete blocks, and pull them throughout the monitor. The winner is the final truck to finish a “full pull,” which that Saturday night time eclipsed 20,000 kilos. 

LIAPA officers stated it was their most profitable truck pull to this point.

“As far as attendance-wise, it was the busiest we’ve ever been,” stated LIAPA president Dan Young. “I was in the food shed all night and it was nonstop. We sold out of almost every single thing we had for people to eat,” he added, lamenting that he didn’t have a sizzling canine for LIAPA common Hot Dog Don who travels out from Bellmore.

LIAPA treasurer — and mom to the president — Susan Young estimated about 500 attendees and 27 pullers on opening night time.

She attributed the night time’s success to a discover in Newsday and social media. LIAPA officers flow into occasion bulletins on their Facebook group and Instagram feeds. They don’t know who put the truck pull discover into the native every day. However, they stated they’re grateful for the extra publicity it introduced.

Smithtown residents Tina and Eric Kienzler noticed the truck pull flyer posted to social media. They thought it a good suggestion for household enjoyable on a Saturday night time.

“Me and my husband saw separate posts about it and kind of brought it to each other’s attention,” Ms. Kienzler stated. “We just came across this and were like ‘this is awesome and so different.’”

Mr. Kienzler used to take part in truck exhibits and jamborees in Pennsylvania, coming into his personal autos. An unlucky accident left him wheel-chair certain. As a double amputee, they stated now they appear out for occasions and actions native to Long Island.

The couple loaded their two sons Steven, 12, and Dylan 9, and trekked the 40 miles east to Riverhead. With admission free for youngsters youthful than 12 — and for all veterans, they spent $30 on admission at $10 every. 

“There were so many cool trucks and tractors,” Ms. Kienzler stated. “The whole thing was so cool, how they did everything and added more weight, and the whole atmosphere,” she added, confirming that the household intends to go again out once more.

LIAPA’s next truck pull is arising on Saturday, June 6. Gates will open at 6 p.m. Mr. Young stated that a part of the thrill is that every occasion is exclusive.

“I always say that I expect the unexpected. You never know who or what will show up. The different vehicles; the different people that come down.”

The phrase “truck pull” could be a little bit of a misnomer. 

“It’s not just trucks that come out. We have some members that bring their tractors and Jeeps, military vehicles, a couple of bulldozers — when time permits, we have our Peerless steam engine pulling,” he added.