SIDNEY – The 28th Annual Buckeye Farm Antiques show at the Shelby County Fairgrounds is set for Memorial Day weekend, May 26-28, for the second consecutive year.
Last year, the show was moved to Shelby County when they were unable to secure the Auglaize County Fairgrounds, where it had been held for many years, according to board member Esther Gaier of Jackson Center.
“Last year was our first time there and we were very happy with the turnout. We have 3,000 to 4,000 people last year. Our plan is to hold in there (Sidney) for the next few years, at least,” Gaier said.
This year, the show will feature antique Case tractors and equipment along with rare Wisconsin-made engines.
A pre-Civil War company, the Case Corporation was founded in 1847 by Jerome Increase Case. He started out by selling threshing machines. In 1869, he began manufacturing steam engines, and introduced the company’s first steam traction engine in 1878. Over the years, the company moved into fuel powered farm machinery that grew in popularity nationwide.
Reportedly, the Wisconsin heavy-duty air-cooled engines had a wide variety of uses, from industrial to agricultural, and most known for powering hay balers, water pumps and generators on farms.
Mrs. Gaier and her husband, Dennis “Red” Gaier, were founding members of the organization that now touts some 550 members. They remain active with Red demonstrating old fashioned sawmill work and shingle mill creation. Esther organizes children’s events, entertainment and advertising.
In the beginning, the show was part of the Auglaize County Fair providing a display of threshing machines. When it grew in popularity, the group began their own shows.
Admission is $2 for those 13 and older. Those 12 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Events include threshing and corn shredding, wood sculpture, primitive crafts, blacksmithing, sawmill and shingle mill demonstrations, craft and flea market and a parts area.
Two nights of free entertainment have been planned for the Beige Building. On Friday, The Ten Steps of Fort Recovery will be on stage with Sudden Image performing on Saturday. The shows will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. each night.
An antique tractor pull in Divisions I and II will be held Friday under the auspices of the Western Ohio Garden Tractor Pullers. On Saturday, a consignment sale is set for 9 a.m. and a truck pull at 3 p.m. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., an antique car, truck and motorcycle will be held.
