By Jordan Studer
jstuder@wbcowqel.com

If there is one thing that Crawford County has, it’s a passion for farming and farm machinery. Many of the community members were born and raised on farms and their love for the country and everything about it grew as the crops did every year.

Sprouting from that love came the Crawford Antique Farm Machinery Association. This group has a passion for keeping the history of farming in Crawford County alive. One way that they like to encourage that is by having their annual Crawford Farm Machinery Show at the Crawford County Fairgrounds.

The gates opened around noon on Thursday. President of the Crawford Antique Farm Machinery Association, Mike McCraken, led the opening ceremony, marking the beginning of their 16th annual show.

The show will be going on Thursday through Saturday, each with different schedules. However, there are also things that take place daily. A flea market, food vendors, and entertainment for all ages are just a few of the many things that await visitors.

When taking a gander at all of the farm machinery, spectators can be sure that asking any of the members of the Crawford Antique Farm Machinery Association questions, they will be given knowledgeable answers with stories tagged on along the way. Many have very interesting stories about the origin of their love for farming among countless other stories.

McCraken reminisces about how his passion for collecting farm equipment began and states, “Kinda runs in the family.”

Chairman of the trustees, Roger Haas, also said his desire to collect tractors began at a very young age.

“Ever since I’ve been a little boy, I’ve loved tractors. I love tractors of any kind, size, or anything. I just love tractors. Like people love dogs,” Haas says with a chuckle.

As a collector, Haas says there are many tractors that he would like to get his hands on – the only problem is finding the old ones isn’t as easy as one might think.

Tractors and Cushman scooters are just a few of the vehicles that can be viewed when walking through the show. The Model Train Building is also open for viewing. Various owners of the building will be there to share their love for railroad while visitors view their handiwork.

Jean Blair, one of the owners, shared how his love for trains began many years ago. “I’ve been in model railroading because I was a railroader on the big lines.”

Blair mentioned that if you miss out on viewing their railroad landscape at the show, there are plenty more opportunities since they are open 365 days a year.

No matter who you talk to, it is quite clear that the passion among these people runs deep. Because of this, they want to share their passion to the community to plant roots in them. With many events and things to see, there is plenty to do.

Vendors also line the roadways of the fairgrounds to keep everyone’s bellies satisfied as they meander through the show, not to mention the homemade ice cream made by the Crawford Antique Farm Machinery themselves. With the heat, there is no better way to cool down while supporting the very people who put on the entire show.

Friday and Saturday have many things going on as well. The Antique Tractor Pull, the Kiddy Tractor Pull, and the Car Show are just a few of the things there are to look forward to. For a full listing of all the good times to be had, check out the schedule below.

Friday’s schedule:

8:00 a.m.- Gates Open $3.00 per person, 10 yrs & older
9:00 a.m.- Cushman Scoters
TBA- Kiddy Tractor Pull-Free, 4 Different Classes
4:00 p.m.- Back Gate $10.00 per person, 10 yrs & older
4:00 p.m.- Front Gate Prices change to $10.00 per person, 10 & under free
6:30 p.m.- Antique Tractor Pull

Saturday’s schedule:

Marshall & Chase Paw Patrol All Day
8:00 a.m.- Gates Open $3.00 per person, 10 yrs & older
9:00 a.m.- Car Show (1972 & older)
9:00 a.m.- Cushman Scooters
10:00 a.m.- Kiddy Pedal Tractor Pull – Free, 4 Different Classes
TBA – Grain Bin Rescue Extraction (Headed by Holmes Volunteer Fire Department)
11:30 a.m.- Garden Tractor Pull Registration
12:00 Noon – Garden Tractor Pull
12:00 Noon – Back Gate $10.00 per person, 10 yrs & older
2:00 p.m.- Kiddy Tractor Pull
4:00 p.m.- Front Gate Prices changes change to $10.00 per Person, 10 & under free
6:00 p.m.- Truck Pull