The Brocton Springfest and Draft Horse Show began in 1988 when it was suggested to have a draft horse show to coincide with the festival since there was a draft horse interest in the community;some felt this would add to the festival and bring more people to the area, and it has!
The Draft Show continues to grow each year, and it brings many horse lovers to the tiny village of Brocton. Besides the draft horses, ponies and mules also compete in halter and hitch classes. Many times all four breeds of draft horses-Percherons, Belgians, Clydesdales and Shires are represented.
Many exhibitors come from several different states; in past years the states of Ohio, Iowa, Indiana,Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Kentucky and sometimes even Canada are represented.The exhibitors bring their animals to compete in cart classes, unicorn, four and six horse hitches.When the draft horse show first began, it was held in a field, and horses were housed in a tent. In October of 1991 a group of the community people gathered and converted the old Grafton Lumber Yard into a horse barn. Nearby is a horse arena where once the old Brocton Elevator stood.
Besides the Draft Horse Show, there are many other interesting events. Some highlights are the Brocton Fireman's Jonah Fish Fry where they serve around 1,000 people in one evening. There is also the parade, Antique Tractor Pull, Red Neck Horseshoe Tournament, Tomahawk Throwers, Kiddie Tractor Pull, Children's Games, Gospel Sing, Crafts and Collectibles and plenty of good food cooked by local people and area vendors.
Draft Horses were once the "backbone of agriculture" and an important part of our area's heritage; this is a chance for young people to see these beautiful "gentle giants" in action. Many county fairs have eliminated the draft horse show, but Brocton has found that the draft horses, ponies and mules are a very positive addition to our Springfest.