ORANGE — If you’re in the area next weekend, there’s an event sure to get your motor running. Two miles from the highway.
The Central Massachusetts Steam, Gas and Machinery Association plans to hold its 41th annual “Yankee Engine-uity Show” at Orange Municipal Airport on June 24 and 25. Exhibits are slated to open at 8 a.m. each day and continue throughout the day.
Association Assistant Treasurer Grover Ballou said the event highlights a hobby that is starting to fall by the wayside in the digital age.
“Everyone’s into computers,” he said. “We’re just trying to preserve the past.”
Entrance to the event is $3 per carload and the airport invites visitors to fly in. Ballou said the association, established in 1976, has worked to keep prices as low as possible to keep the event family friendly.
Boothill Express will perform music from 3 to 6 p.m. on June 24. There will also be a kiddie tractor pull at 11 a.m., followed by a tractor parade at 1 p.m. There will be a second tractor parade at noon on Sunday, followed by a raffle at 1 p.m.
Special features this year will include Abenaque Engines, made in Vermont, and Allis Chalmers tractors.
There will be various types of gas and steam engines, tractors, machinery and models on display, including a 1898 C.H. Brown Company steam engine built in Fitchburg and a 15-gauge Cagney steam train. There will blacksmith demonstrations.
A flea market with nearly 100 vendors will be open both days. People should call Dean Lamantagne at 413-323-9519 if interested.
Ballou said local non-profit organizations will serve as food vendors.
More information can be found at www.cmsgma.com.
You can reach Domenic Poli: at dpoli@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 258.
On Twitter: @DomenicPoli