Old Fashioned Farmer Days begins

VAN WERT - Old school tractors, cow milking demonstrations, quilting and barbershop music.

If it all sounds a little old school, well, it should.

Taking you back is just one of the intentions of the Old Fashioned Farmers Association Inc., which will hold its 32nd annual Old Fashioned Farmers Days in Van Wert. The Association president, Bill Gamble, said the group tries to incorporate elements for all ages, including activities that are both fun and educational.

"I feel that the old guys enjoy seeing things that they used to do, and for kids who don't have any concept of it or don't know about it to enjoy it, or if not, to see what goes on," he said.

In keeping with the event's title, the show typically features more than 300 antique tractors, Gamble said, with this year's featured tractors coming from International Harvester. Tractors will also take center stage at the festival during Friday and Saturday's antique tractor pulls.

The event will also feature a variety of live entertainment and music, said the event's music planner Margaret Gamble. Thursday night's car show at 5 p.m. will be accompanied by a DJ spinning sounds from the 1950s, she said; Friday's entertainment will feature returning favorites Harmonica John and Nancy as well as Rockford-based band The Blind Date and The Classics, a doo-wop group. On Saturday, guests will be treated to a banjo, fiddle and harmonica contest as well as the Bavarian Brass Polka Band.

Kids will also get a kick out of the festival. In addition to barrel train rides, kids can visit with nature at Animal Land and bring their pets out for a children's pet show.

Old Fashioned Farmers Days

WHEN: 11 a.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. July 4 and 5 and 10 a.m. July 6

WHERE: Van Wert County Fairgrounds, 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert

COST: Adults $3, three-day pass $7, children under 12 free; seniors $1.50 on Thursday only. Free admission on Sunday.

FOR MORE INFO: Call 419 363-3259 or 419 495-2600, or visit www.vanwert.com/offa.

Highlights

Thursday

All Day: Animal Land

5 p.m.: Car show

July 4

All Day: Animal Land

9 a.m.: Quilt and needle arts show

10 a.m.: Antique car races

1 p.m.: Antique tractor pull

2 p.m.: Harmonica John & Nancy

4 p.m.: Cow milking demonstration

6 p.m.: Draft mule and draft horse show

7 p.m.: The Classics

July 5

All Day: Animal Land

All Day: Chain saw sculpturing

9 a.m.: Quilt and needle arts show

10 a.m.: Kiddie tractor pull and adult pedal tractor pull

10 a.m.: Antique car races

1 p.m.: Antique tractor pull

2 p.m.: Banjo, fiddle and harmonica contest

7 p.m.: Bavarian Brass Polka Band

7 p.m.: Chain saw sculpture auction

July 6

10 a.m.: Church service

11:30 a.m.: Turkey and ham dinner

Noon: Auction

1 p.m.: Mens' Sound Wave Chorus

2 p.m.: Children's pet show