PANTEGO — Four-year-old Hendrix Elliott of Bath could hardly wait to scamper up into the driver’s seat of the vintage 1935 fire engine.

Once in place he grasped the handle of the siren and gleefully filled the air with a shrieking sound that stopped folks in their tracks.

It was all in good fun. Youngsters were encouraged to explore the fire engine, owned by Dr. Charles Boyette of Belhaven, during Saturday’s “Farm Days, Farm Ways” event hosted by the Pantego Historical Museum.

The annual event draws folks from across the area, according to Jenny Respess Hollowell, current president of the museum committee.

“We want the young people to know something about earlier times, and we’re trying to give them an opportunity to learn in an entertaining way,” Hollowell said. “We want them to see some of the ways things used to be done.”

The grounds of the museum were teeming with activity during the festival. Interactive exhibits showcased the farming way of life a century ago and included corn shelling, milking a “cow” and cleaning clothes in an old wash tub. Inside the museum, an exhibit of handcrafted quilts celebrated an art form once practiced by every farm wife. A collection of old tractors and farming equipment also offered a glimpse into life down on the farm.

Live music added to the festive atmosphere and those in attendance dined on an assortment of soups, sandwiches, hoop cheese, pickles, baked goods and even cotton candy.

Admission to the event was free, but an auction Saturday afternoon raised much-needed funds that will allow the museum to continue its work. Items going to the highest bidder included Christmas decorations, quilts, collectibles, handmade aprons, baskets, dolls and a jar filled with fresh-baked cookies.

While museum members took on the task of planning the event, Hollowell said it wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of others.

“We have had a wonderful response from sponsors this year,” she said.

Those sponsors include Tideland EMC, Margarette Laughinghouse, Southern Bank-Belhaven, Tri County Telephone Foundation, Benson & Russ, A & W Sales, Misa Raynor, TinkArmstrong, Neil and Dianne Bowen, Coastal Clearing & Grading, Gordon Pippen/Farm Bureau, Kenneth and Kathy Neal, Riddick & Windley, Hallas and Linda Boyd, Belhaven Waterstreet Bed & Breakfast and the Town of Pantego.