Published: May 25, 2007 11:22 pm         

Antique engines roar at Chickentown show

SOMERSET — Steam will billow from old farm tractors and antique farm equipment again will come to life at the Chickentown Gas and Steam Engine Show, an annual picnic and gathering in the rolling hills just outside the borough.

An estimated 1,000 people are expected to turn out for the 14th annual show today and Sunday.

Along with the machinery, the event will include a children’s tractor pull and a Little Miss Chickentown contest for girls ages 5 to 10.

“We’re expecting a good crowd and we’re getting lots of exhibits,” said Jay Hemminger, who owns the site.

Each year, the show attracts owners of gas and steam powered engines from across the region who rev up their tractors and show life on the farm was years gone by.

There also will be a blacksmith shop, shingle mill, corn-mill grinding, tractor games, cash prize drawing and Sunday auction. A chicken BBQ will be held on both days.

Admission is free to the show about 2 miles outside Somerset off Chickentown Road.

The electrical work was done by Tim Snyder, who will be in the sawmill showing folks how to cut cherry wood, oak and pine.

“I just tested the rock crusher, too” he said Friday. “It’s ready.”

Event goers can take a scenic ride through the countryside at 4 p.m. today and return for a bonfire with hot dogs and hamburgers at 6 p.m.

In the future, Hemminger hopes to attract more young people. Aging association members are looking to pass their knowledge on to the next generation of tractor enthusiasts to keep the event going.

“Unless they learn it now, we could be in serious trouble in the future,” Hemminger said while watching two of his grandchildren set up equipment. “If more young people don’t take an interest, this isn’t going to happen.”

     

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