The 35th Annual Antique Power Days held at the Marion County Grounds had a good year, attracting around 3,500 over the three day event.
Southern Illinois Antique Power Day President Kevin Tolka says attendance was up on Friday compared to last year and was slightly large on Saturday.
“When you looked across the grounds, you’d see people all over,” Tolka said. “They were walking through tractors, watching demonstrations. The flea market was packed. I saw a lot of people in line getting the good food we had this year. One thing we’ve done different this year, we have what we call an expanded kids area, with a lot more activity for kids to do. With pedal pulling, I noticed 50 to 60 kids easily, pedal pulling.”
Tolka said the Flea Market continued to grow and there were more vendors in the Farm Toy Show and Auction.
“Next year, we have the Illinois J.I. case collectors coming to put on their show. We’re always looking to keep the flea market growing. We went from maybe twenty vendors just a few years ago, to now we’ve about doubled that.”
The consignment auction that began the event on Thursday sold about $78,000 of old farm machinery and a large number of smaller items.
Tolka says that having successful years, like this one, allows for the club to look at ways to expand and improve the annual show.
Hay baling at Antique Power Days. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Flea market at Antique Power Days. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
A 1918 Massey Ferguson tractor leads a line of some of the older tractors on display. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
