Mizpah Shrine Antique Power Show now underway at the fairgrounds
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, a vintage John Deere is parked along the hillside at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds during the 2009 Mizpah Shrine Antique Power Show. There are bound to be many more John Deere tractors as that is the featured tractor for this year's event.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Tractors are finding their place in line along the hillside. Occasionally, an old engine lets off a hiss while volunteers are dusting off the concession stand windows. The hustle and bustle has begun at the Whitley County 4-H Fairgrounds for the 8th annual Mizpah Shrine Antique Power Show in Columbia City.
The show began Thursday and continues through Saturday with free admission.
According to event planner Harold Krider, this year's featured tractor is the John Deere -- guaranteeing a good amount of green and yellow in the atmosphere at the fairgrounds.
Thursday, the garage sale booths opened for early set up and registration began.
The real excitement begins with the second annual giant garage sale which began at 8 a.m. today. Krider said this year's garage sale is expected to be even bigger and better than last year's with many great finds just waiting to be discovered. The garage sale continues on Saturday.
"We're really trying to get the word out about the garage sale," Krider adds. "It went over very well last year."
"We've got a lot of events going on for kids this year," said Krider.
A highlight of the power show, the children's barrel train will be available for rides all day. Additionally, a greased watermelon game is planned.
Antique tractor pulls begin at 2 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. today.
A shrine benefit auction is planned for 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Concessions will be available throughout the event and a barbecue pork luncheon begins at noon on Saturday.
The children's tractor pull is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.
The Whitley County Agricultural History museum will be open throughout the event, in addition to a flea market with tractor parts and more.
Proceeds raised from activities at the event support various Shrine charities.
Sponsors of this year's event include Dekalb, AgVenture McKillip Seeds, Crossroad Inn, Rupley Farm Equipment, Holzinger Seed Service, Koenig, Kenn-Feld Group LLC, Yagel Grain Systems, J&J Insurance Solutions, Columbia City Automotive, ABC Embroidery, North Central Co-op, Hambrock Electric, Dimension Ford West, United Oil Company, Russell Engineering Associates Inc., State Farm Insurance, Brodbeck Seeds, Troxel Equipment Co. LLC, AgPlus, W&W Locker, Allpro Towing, Monster Motors USA, Wigent Excavating, Krider's Meat Processing and Auction King Service LLC.