The Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show is just over a week away and work was done in an Amherstburg field last week to prepare.
A 1922 Massey Harris binder was put back into service last Thursday afternoon in a Middle Side Road field owned by local farmer Tony and Yvonne Simon to take off wheat that will be used in an old-fashioned threshing machine at the Aug. 9-11 show at Co-An Park in McGregor.
The binder was owned, and subsequently donated to the museum, by Amherstburg resident Morris Kurzuk. A tractor dating back to the 1950’s pulled the binder while a tractor dating back to the 1960’s pulled a wagon that volunteers stacked with bales of wheat that came from the binder.
Gary Struhar, president of the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum, said they have the bulk of the entertainment and activities booked and finalized. He pointed out the theme of this year’s show is rare collectibles.”
The 38th annual show will allow people to see the Walkerville and Fryer steam engines and to take a look at the steam turbine, steam engines, the “hit and miss” engines and more. The Southern Ontario Military Musters will display vehicles, weapons and uniforms Aug. 10. Struhar also pointed out the Ontario Antique Trucks group will be on hand.
McCormick Auctions will host an auction Sunday. Both Saturday and Sunday will see threshing demonstrations with the aim of getting the Carl Smith sawmill running in time for the show as well. Raffle and 50/50 draws will also be conducted.
The “Happy Together” duo perform from 2-5 p.m. Saturday with the duo comprised of artists Billy Fox and Gary Best. Crystal Gage is slated to perform from 12-4 p.m. Sunday.
Struhar said the “turkey in the straw” contest returns this year, as it is popular with children. Kids go in a pile of hay and dig out tokens that can be redeemed at vendors.
“It works out well. It keeps the kids happy,” said Struhar.
Sarah Parks Horsemanship will also be on hand for pony rides.
A staple of the show – the annual tractor parade – is currently scheduled for that Saturday morning (Aug. 10) at 9 a.m. The parade starts at St. Clement’s Church on Walker Road, heads south to Concession 11 in Essex, before heading into Co-An Park.
Last year’s show drew an estimated 1,000 people throughout the weekend, and organizers would like to match or top that this year, but Struhar noted other events are going on around Essex County that weekend such as the Comber Fair and the Kingsville Music Festival.
Admission to the show is $8 for adults, $6 for children 6-12 with children under 6 free. There is half-price for seniors Friday, Aug. 9. A three-day pass is $12. Show hours are Aug. 9 12-6 p.m., Aug. 10 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Aug. 11 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information, please visit www.essexsteamandgasengine.com or https://www.facebook.com/EssexCountySteamandGasMuseum. People can also contact Struhar at ecsagem@gmail.com, or rsesbulletin@aol.com or call 519-817-5712.
Preparations for Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show include antique binder
By Ron Giofu
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