COVID-19 has struck a blow to many rural events and Royal Fun Days was no exception. This past weekend was supposed to mark the town's 7th annual celebration.

Typically, the Fun Days Committee along with the support of local businesses, organizations, raffles and other fundraising efforts combine to put on a three-day weekend of family fun. From softball tournaments, BINGO, kid's inflatables and costume parades to community meals, horseshoe tournaments, a street dance with live music and more, Royal Fun Days truly has always offered something for everyone.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Tyler Jorgenson, of Sheldon, kicks up some dust as he pulls his four-cylinder mini-rod, #430 "Fear the Deere" at the Royal Tractor Pulls.

This year the committee made the difficult decision to cancel their 2020 celebration, however, the team agreed that the annual tractor pull should still go on and invited the Northwest Iowa Tractor Pullers Association back to town this past Sunday.

With more than 38 tractors competing and a solid crowd on the sidelines, the drivers took the wheel in the afternoon and kicked up some dirt in an impressive four-hour event.

Drivers ages 5-84 from all over Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota competed in seven different classes. The classes were determined by motor size and were listed from smallest to largest, starting with Stock Single Cylinder, Stock V-Twin, Stock Altered, Limited Modified, Unlimited Modified, 4-Cylinder Mini-Rod, and ending with 8-Cylinder Mini-Rod.

Northwest IA Tractor Pullers Association is a touring club with numerous scheduled events throughout the summer and fall. Their next pull is in Lake Park on Aug. 2 at 1:30 p.m., and the club will be back to pull in Royal on Aug. 8 at 1:30 p.m.