Antique farming event set for Saturday in Chocowinity

Published 7:03 pm Thursday, May 12, 2016

Exhibits of antique tractors and farm equipment, children’s events, an auction and a tractor parade are planned for this weekend during the annual farm show hosted by Eastern Antique Power Association.

The event will be held Saturday on Bear Creek Road west of Chocowinity, according to EAPA president Stan Hudson.

“This is our 21st event and it’s become a tradition here,” Hudson said. “We started this in 1996 and our exhibits have grown over the years.”

Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony and flag raising conducted by members of Boy Scout Troop 99. Displays of antique tractors, engines and farming memorabilia will be the focal point of the event, which also includes a parade of power, slowest tractor “race” and crafts sale. Club members and their spouses are busy preparing pies and cakes for a baked goods auction, and a second auction of new items donated by local individuals and businesses is planned.

“We’ll have cases of oil, antifreeze, tools and farm tools for that one,” Hudson noted. “All the money we raise will go toward our special needs day we’re planning for Oct. 15.”

Saturday’s festivities, which run until 4 p.m., will appeal to folks of any age, Hudson promised. Old timers will enjoy reliving the golden days of farming, while youngsters will enjoy pedal tractor races and other child-friendly activities.

Live bluegrass music will keep toes tapping, and anyone working up an appetite can purchase hot dogs, homemade ice cream and flavored shaved ice, among other treats.

Admission to the event is free, making it one of the best deals in Beaufort County, according to Hudson.

By sponsoring the event every year, EAPA fulfills several of its club missions.

“The restoration and preservation of antique farm equipment are two of our goals, and passing along our farming heritage to the kids is another,” Hudson said.

Saturday’s event will be held at the Hudson family show grounds, located on Bear Creek Road, which is located just off N.C. Highway 33 approximately two miles west of Chocowinity. For more information, call Hudson at 252-945-6150.