Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association to host fall 2022 tractor show this weekend
ROME TWP. — The history of farming equipment and machinery in Lenawee County will be on display this weekend during the fall 2022 vintage tractor and engine show hosted by the Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association.
The show begins Friday, Sept. 16, and continues Saturday, Sept. 17, through Sunday, Sept. 18. The grounds of the Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association are at 7600 Forrister Road west of Adrian.
The show will feature vintage farm equipment from all across Lenawee County and the surrounding areas, according to a news release from the association. The items have been provided by collectors and vintage farm equipment enthusiasts. A line of John Deere vintage equipment will be one of the main displays, the release said.
Meanwhile, another aspect of this weekend’s fall show is the recognition of the antique tractor and engine association’s 40th anniversary. The organization was founded in 1982, the release said, and it currently has more than 275 members.
The association’s president, Jim Opersal, has been a member of the organization since its inception.
“I have witnessed the growth of the organization from its humble beginnings,” he said in an email. “…The 40th anniversary of the association demonstrates that the hobby of collecting vintage tractors and farm implements is popular and rewarding. It will continue on for generations to come.”
Additional displays will also include gas tractors, steam engines and stationary engines along with implements representing other farm equipment manufacturers.
Live demonstrations are also a part of the three-day show. The public will be able to watch tractor and lawnmower pulling competitions, a working sawmill in action, a copy lathe at work and the process of rope making.
Admission to each day of the show is $5 per person with children 12 or younger admitted at no cost. There is also free parking, the release said. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The event will be held rain or shine, according to the release.
“This show allows people of all ages to view displays and demonstrations of vintage farm equipment. Collectors of this equipment and the association will continue to preserve the rich history of agriculture in Lenawee County,” Opersal said in his email.
The association has recently completed the construction of a new barn to house the copy lathe and other vintage woodworking tools.
“This is just one of the many structures that house the thousands of vintage tools and machinery on the 115-acre show grounds,” the release said.
All ages can find something to enjoy this weekend, the release said. Besides the main attraction of the antique farming equipment, there will also be food vendors, lost artisans, a swap meet and outdoor marketplace, a petting zoo, old-fashioned kids games, 50/50 raffles, rides and other kid-friendly attractions throughout the event grounds, and live entertainment Saturday evening with “The Singing Auctioneer,” Dane Bailey.
Those with questions about this weekend’s show or those interested in learning more about the association may contact Opersal at 517-673-6522. The association’s secretary, Jackie Salsbury, also may be contacted at 517-673-5104.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Farmers Antique Tractor & Engine Association schedules fall 2022 show
