It's time for the annual Morgan County Antique Machinery Show! What's that? You've never been and aren't sure why you'd be interested? No worries, we've got you covered. Here are the top 10 reasons to attend this fun (and free!) annual event on June 27 - 29 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds:
Find this year's complete event schedule.
# 10 You're still a kid at heart.
In addition to all of the event's other offerings, you'll find a treasure trove of toys inside the 4-H Building at the Fairgrounds. In addition to life-sized models, there's also a concurrent TOY Tractor Show going on inside! Take a look at how toys have changed over the years.
# 9 You've seen some of that old stuff before, but have NO idea what it was for or how it worked.
You'll be able to impress your friends (or your grandparents) with your newfound knowledge after attending this event!
# 8 You love a good story (or several).
People love to talk about their collection and every piece of machinery at this show has a story behind it!
# 7 Watching the steam puff out of these shiny old steam engines is just somehow very satisfying.
You can literally see the care that's taken to keep these old beauties running smoothly.
# 6 You love a good swap meet.
This event's got one and believe me - you never know what you'll find until you get there! It's treasure hunting at its finest.
# 5 You love the Morgan County Fair homemade ice cream booth and you can't wait until the Morgan County Fair in July to get some.
Yes, for those of you who have never been to the Morgan County Fair, it's THAT good. (Don't worry - the Young Farmers of Morgan County run the booth for this event and they've assured us it's the very same recipe.)
# 4 You want your kids to know how people used to do things, you know - before iPhones...
and don't worry, the kids really will be interested in these old machines and how they work.
# 3 You really like tractors, perhaps those of a particular color... (We won't judge - even if you prefer the green ones.)
Don't miss the Annual Tractor Drive on Saturday, beginning at 5 pm and featuring tractors of all shapes, sizes and colors.
NEW this year is tractor pulls in the evening! Don't miss Antique Tractor Pulls at 6 pm on Friday and Antique & Farm Tractor Pulls at 6 pm on Saturday.
# 2 Your kids are fascinated by how things work.
It may not be new technology, but it still counts as, well... STEAM (AKA Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) and they might accidentally learn something!
# 1 Tractor powered sawmill demonstrations are just pretty darn cool.
(Go ahead, try to argue - we've got proof!)
BONUS: Cool Cars, Trucks & Tractor Pulls!
The Morgan County Antique Machinery Show will also host a Friday Night Cruise-in event from 5 to 9 pm, Truck & Tractor Pulls on both Friday and Saturday - Friday's session begins at 7 pm and Saturday will feature two sessions, beginning at 2 pm and 6 pm - and the First Annual Tread Trimmers Car Show on Saturday, from 8 am to 3 pm! Proceeds from the car show will benefit local charities.
Also That Weekend:
This is typically a very busy weekend in Morgan County, so here's the scoop on other events you might want to check out throughout the area, while you're here:
Summer weekends kick off on Thursdays here in Martinsville, so if you come early, be sure to check out the Cruise-in on the Square on Thursday evening, beginning at 5 pm. Head for Downtown Martinsville to enjoy dinner at one of several locally-owned eateries and browse the awesome cars!
On Friday, June 27, you can enjoy free live music at the downtown performance venue in Martinsville. The Doo! will be featured as part of the Downtown Martinsville FREE Summer Concert Series, with music beginning at 7:30 pm. Food trucks and locally crafted beverages available on site. (Bring your own seating.)
The Morgan County Farmers Market will take place on Saturday morning from 9 am to 1 pm on the lawn at The Main Connection, 460 South Main Street. This includes locally grown and locally crafted items as well as tasty treats such as cinnamon rolls and breakfast cookies.
The historic Paragon Speedway will host dirt track racing on the evening of Saturday, June 28. Enjoy all the good, old fashioned fun of racing on a dirt oval at this track that's been in operation since the 1950s. The evening will feature Roller Randy Hornets, Ticket to Tulsa Night 6, and their annual Fireworks Extravaganza. Hot laps start at 5:30 pm.
Cedar Creek Winery, Brewery and Distillery hosts free, casual live music performances and other entertainment throughout the weekend any time they don't have a ticketed concert on their schedule. Typically you can find live entertainment there on Fridays at 6 pm, Saturdays at 4 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. On Saturday, June 28, they will host one of their ticketed Drink at the Creek Concerts, a series that takes place between May and October each year. This weekend's show features World Turning, a Fleetwood Mac tribute and Those Damn Torpedoes, a Tom Petty tribute. Gates open at 2 pm; music begins at 5 pm. Food trucks on site; picnics welcome (no outside alcohol permitted). Discounted advanced tickets available at RDProductionsLLC.com. All ages welcome!
Check our calendar for more fun upcoming events in the area!