An estimated 4,000 attended the annual Antique Power Days at the Marion County Fairgrounds over the weekend.
Club officer Sean Earle says they had about 400 antique tractors and other old-time farm machinery on display.
“Fantastic weather. We had a really good crowd out here Saturday. We had a lot of activities, new vendors, quality food. The toy show and auction went really well and a fantastic consignment auction on Thursday and a nice crowd for the tractor pull on Friday. We were happy since we didn’t have a show last year and glad people could come out here with us.”
One of the biggest complaints was getting the equipment running to take to show after it had sat idle for two years after the 2020 show had to be canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.
Plans now turn to next year’s show which will feature Oliver tractors.
Those who have an interest in old farm machinery are invited to join the sponsoring Southern Illinois Antique Power Club. You don’t need to have equipment to join, just an interest. The group meets on the third Monday of each month. You can contact a member of the club for additional information.
Many of the tractors participated in the Parade of Power on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
An elaborate corn shucking operation from the past is demonstrated during Antique Power Days. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
An estimated 400 antique tractors of all sizes were on display. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
