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Tractor museum’s weatherwave stands at 59 feet

Westlock’s two museums officially open for the season May 22
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On May 22, Town of Westlock mayor Ralph Leriger, right, assisted by town fire chief Stuart Koflick rode the town’s ladder truck to the top of the Canadian Tractor Museum’s weathervane tower to get an accurate measurement of the height, which is 59 feet (17.983 metres).

WESTLOCK - The May long weekend, specifically holiday Monday, is the traditional opening for the Town of Westlock’s two museums, the Pioneer Museum and the Canadian Tractor Museum.

May 22 started with a pancake and ham breakfast at the Pioneer, which was well attended, then around noon, the action swung over to the tractor museum, with sausages and smokies, while for the younger crowd a bouncy castle was set up for them to play on, and a few of the old antique tractors were fired up for added entertainment.

But the highlight of the day was the official measurement of the height of the weathervane tower, with a 1942 Case DC4 at the very top, which swings at the slightest breeze to point out the wind direction.

Erected in late summer 2006, it was believed then to be the tallest working weathervane in the world, but had never been officially measured.

This year, it was decided to get an official measurement, aided by the Town of Westlock’s ladder truck to make the trip to the top easy. Mayor Ralph Leriger, assisted by fire chief Stuart Koflick, were taken to the top, and the mayor dropped the line to the ground, where town Coun. Randy Wold held it in place. The measurement was made from the top of the exhaust pipe on the tractor to the ground and when the pair returned safely to the ground, Leriger declared, “Exactly 59 feet (17.983 metres).”

So, now we know the height, but the question remains, is it the world’s tallest working weathervane? Is it a World Record? We don’t know for sure, but unless someone can come forward with something else, we will suggest it is.

Les Dunford, TownandCountryToday.com

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