Skippin’ & Poppin’ Tractor Show being held in memory of one of its founders

Dennis Holder was a tractor man.

Even in his final months, his health failing, you could find Holder on his tractor and tending the watermelon fields behind his property.

Holder also was one of the founding members of the Skippin’ & Poppin’ Tractor show, which is one of the biggest social gatherings each year in Wilkinson County. With this in mind, this Saturday’s Skippin’ & Poppin’ Antique Car & Tractor Show will be held in Holder’s memory.

Holder, who was the county commission chairman in Wilkinson County between 1999-2016, passed away on June 20, 2024.

“We are a non-profit organization that is community-driven through volunteers and focused on giving back to the community,” said Alexis Poole, Skippin’ & Poppin’ co-organizer. “Mr. Dennis also loved the Wilkinson County community and loved giving back, so we’re thrilled that we can honor him in this way.”

Holder was one of the four co-founders of the event, alongside Cyler Garner, Pam Brown and Doug Baisden. Previous festivals were held in memory of Garner, Brown and Baisden, as well as Royce Brewer, who was another one of Skippin’ & Poppin’s main parts who is also now deceased.

This Saturday marks the first time that Skippin & Poppin’ will be held at Council Farms on Council-McCranie Road, and Poole is very much looking forward to it.

“It’s all about giving back to the community and never forgetting our southern roots,” she said.

Much more, including how to register your tractor or antique car for the event, can be found on the Skippin’ & Poppin’ Facebook page.