For years, Temecula staged tractor races in which drivers sped around a track and splashed through a mud pit. On Saturday, Oct. 12, guests rode toy tractors down a stretch of road in a much quieter and cleaner competition. The races were one activity at Temecula History Day, where residents came together to honor the area’s past, which include activities reminiscent of old traditions. The event also aimed to honor notable people from Temecula’s past. The contests on kiddie tractors were a callback to the Great Temecula Tractor Race, which debuted in 1977 and lasted into the mid-2000s. Enzo Akiki, 5, plays a game on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, during Temecula History Day at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town Temecula. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer) Timur Lippe, 8, interacts with Max Cantu of the Friends of Temecula Valley Museum while playing “What is it Match?” on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, during Temecula History Day at Sam Hicks Monument Park. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer) Children enjoy the tractor races on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, part of Temecula History Day at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town Temecula. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer) Ann Viramontes reacts while playing “Guess What” on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, during Temecula History Day at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town Temecula. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer) Zander Hannig, 2, rides on a tractor on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, during Temecula History Day at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town Temecula. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer) Hayden Wheeler, 7, and brother Hudson, 5, play on the mobile gemstone and fossil mining wagon on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town Temecula. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer) Lake Leahy gets help with the firefighter hose from Cal Fire Riverside firefighter Seth Morris on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, during Temecula History Day at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town Temecula. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer) Mille, Cliff, and Katy Russell pet “Roy” from the Temecula Carriage Company on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Temecula. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer) Siblings Isabella, 6, and Anthony Dudley, 8, ride the tractors on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, during Temecula History Day at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town Temecula. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer) Show Caption1 of 9Enzo Akiki, 5, plays a game on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, during Temecula History Day at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town Temecula. (Photo by Milka Soko, Contributing Photographer) Expand The event at Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town Temecula also included historic and educational games such as Flood the Temecula Canyon and Great Oak Acorn Gathering. “This is a fantastic chance to dive into the stories of our pioneers and legends who shaped our beloved city,” Temecula Mayor James “Stew” Stewart said in a statement before the event. Related Articles Local News | Inland Empire Civil War Round Table will present ‘A Southern Perspective on the Civil War’ Local News | Louis Robidoux Parkland and Pecan Grove will hold Fall Festival Local News | Highland couple celebrate 70th anniversary Local News | Fontana trainings prepare students for roofing careers Local News | Kids enjoy fall fishing tournament near San Jacinto