AMERICAN FARM HERITAGE DAYS

Limestone County is a place where the heritage of farming runs deep. Ask any farmer and he or she will be the first to tell you — it’s a way of life.

Members of The Piney Chapel Antique Engine and Tractor Association Inc., a nonprofit organization, are working to sustain that way of life and pass it on to the generations to come.

In fact, the Association is already busy preparing for the Annual Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days starting at 9 a.m.  Friday, Aug. 5 and 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6. Show grounds will be at 20147 Elkton Road in Athens and will offer a chance for the public to see an array of farm equipment in action.

Vendors and exhibitors will set up Aug. 4. Spaces are first come, first serve.

“We are anticipating 5,000 people,” said David Hargrove, a member of the association. “It’s a fantastic show.”

From gasoline and steam engines along with antique tractors, cars, trucks and horse drawn equipment to parts vendors, flea market vendors, collectibles and more, organizers of the event promise fun for the whole family. “There’s no telling what you will see,” Hargrove said.

Weekend events include a Parade of Power, fast crank competition, slow races, skillet throw competitions for the ladies, pedal pull competitions for the kids and a number of other activities.

The Association will be serving up ribeye steak sandwiches with potato chips and drinks at 5 p.m. Friday and old-fashioned beans and cornbread will be served all day Friday and Saturday. Full concessions will also be available on-site.

Organizers said anyone looking to sit back and relax should bring lawn chairs. Bluegrass and gospel music will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and feature the Piney Creek Boys and Gospel Redeemers.

Organizers are “wound up” about the event, Hargrove said. “It’s just good down home fellowship,” he added. “We try to keep our youth interested. Bottom line is — none of us are getting any younger. If we don’t preserve our future, there is no way we are going to be able to preserve our past.”

Primitive camping is available for the weekend event. No hook ups.

Admission to The Annual Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days is $5, children 10 and under are admitted free. Parking is free.

For more information, contact David Hargrove at 256-431-6226, Allen Dement at 256-431-0619, Marvin Putman at 256-431-2316 or Mike Hodges at 256-206-5926.


Source:  Athens News Courier