Steam was rising from the farm equipment as well as the patrons out enjoying the Georgian Bay Steam Show in Innisfil this weekend.
Not just machines, but vendors of new crafts and old parts filled the grounds along with campers there for the whole weekend.
High temperatures and lots of sun put a bright face on the collection of steam-powered machines as well as cars, trucks, and almost any small to medium machine you might have seen on a farm 75 to 120 years ago.
Not just static displays, but the thrill of the weekend is watching the apparatus work.
The days were filled with events starting with a pancake breakfast each day before taking in different events like tractor pulls, rock crushing steamed corn, rope making, lag sawing, heavy horse pulls, threshing and bailing, and a main stage with musical entertainment.
Dale and Cindy Patterson said they brought their two young boys because they wanted them to see how little our ancestors had to work with.
“My grandparents ran a farm for over 60 years and it’s incredible how much they did with so little.” Dale said. “There were no mechanics, only them and their neighbours. If they couldn’t figure out how to fix it, they were in big trouble as most of them had different machines for different jobs and they all rotated around helping each other on their farms.”
Dale said he has been coming to the show for a few years and enjoys talking with the owners of the antique instruments,
“These people here have the same care and love for the tools that my grandfather did. I hope my boys can learn that it’s better to fix things and keep things going than throw it out and get a new one.”
Bryan Lawson was one of the vendors with all sorts of antique parts for vintage equipment you won’t find listed on eBay. As well as the small, he had bigger bits up for sale, like a six cylinder engine almost as big as a car. Not really expecting to have a rush on all his obscure and obsolete parts for the machines, “I’m here to enjoy the event, the corn and the social aspects.” Lawson said.
The show started in 1965 and has migrated from Barrie to Collingwood to Cookstown to Beeton and now back to Cookstown where it is held each Civic Holiday weekend.
Familiar names were on display with vehicles from Allis Chalmers, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Case, and some still going strong like John Deere.
Jim McKay brought his vintage Ford Crown Victoria “Gracie” out to the car display. He usually brings a John Deere tractor but Saturday the Ford was his presentation piece. McKay says he it’s a kick to bring out the car and enjoy the show. He also has a nostalgic addition for the drivers window: an old A&W drive in restaurant tray with a full meal that might have been delivered to your parking spot by a roller skating waitress.
The event continues through Monday, closing at 3 p.m.
