Agriculture from the past was celebrated on Monday in McGregor.
The Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum was open on Family Day and welcomed large crowds of people to the point where the amount of people surprised museum president Gary Struhar.
“It's actually busy,” said Struhar. “This morning was very busy. A lot of people.”
Struhar said he sponsored much of the event with board member Brenda Allen also being among the other sponsors. They hoped for a nice crowd but ended up getting approximately 80 people.
“This is the first year,” Struhar said of holding a Family Day event. “I just wanted to do something.”
In addition to free tours of the museum, there were free hot dogs, chips, crafts and small rides for children.
“Keep the kids happy,” said Struhar.
Struhar said the intent was help market the museum, located on Concession 11 just east of Walker Road, as the president said many people still didn't know they exist. Some even thought the big green barns on the Co-An Park property were to store park equipment.
Local municipalities and their representatives helped out as well, with Struhar saying the Town of Essex stepped up as did Amherstburg town councillor Molly Allaire, the latter helping to market the event on her social media.
“We had a very good turnout,” he said.
The Essex County Steam & Gas Museum presents its annual show Aug. 9-11 and Struhar said they are already preparing for it.
“We''re just getting things ready,” he said.
The show's theme in 2024 is “rare collectibles,” meaning “whatever you've got, bring it.”
The museum is planning a Mother's Day eve ham and turkey dinner and a Father's Day steak dinner as well. They also hope to construct an expansion to one of their buildings to house their growing collection of antique farm equipment.
For more information on the museum visit www.essexsteamandgasengine.com or call 519-726-0606.
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