CHOCOWINITY — Folks born on a farm, and those who wish they were, enjoyed revisiting the good old days during the annual Eastern Antique Power Association farm show, held Saturday in Chocowinity.

A display of antique tractors and engines was the focal point of the show, but there was something for everyone despite the threat of rain showers.

Youngsters were kept busy with barrel train rides and pedal tractor races, while their parents and grandparents were entertained by the parade of power, which featured tractors spanning the decades. Boy Scout Troop 99 kicked off the day’s festivities with a flag-raising ceremony, and auctions featuring baked goods and farm related items served as a fundraiser for the club. Proceeds from the event foot the bill for a similar event hosted by the club in October specifically for area special needs citizens and their families, according to EAPA president Stan Hudson.

Anyone working up an appetite during the day’s festivities could choose from hot dogs, burgers, soft drinks, baked goods, homemade ice cream and shaved ice treats.

The day offered fun and games, but it also served as a way to preserve farming traditions.

“My first job was working on a tobacco farm when I was 8 years old,” said Terry Beasley, who has been a member of the tractor club for approximately 10 years and who now serves as its secretary. “I still think kids these days should get a little taste of that.”

Younger generations often don’t fully appreciate the hard work by their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, Beasley pointed out. The club hopes to change that with its annual show, which has been presented for 20 years.

“It’s all about getting the kids out here,” Beasley said. “They can’t find this on the computer.”

Saturday also provided an opportunity to honor Robert A. Smith, longtime teacher and Future Farmers of America advisor at the former Chocowinity High School, according to Hudson.

Smith was presented a framed certificate recognizing his 30 years of mentoring students. The club also made him an honorary lifetime member.

Smith, a Beaufort County native, graduated from what was then North Carolina State College; after stints with the Crop Improvement Association and the U.S. Army, he began his career in education at Pantego High School. He also taught in Swan Quarter before joining the faculty at Chocowinity High in 1960. He retired from the public schools system in 1986 only to join the faculty of Beaufort County Community College as Dean of Continuing Education, a post he held until 1995.

Smith’s family, former coworkers and students were among those on hand for the award presentation.

For more information about the Eastern Antique Power Association, visit www.eapa.us.