National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association Show returns for 43rd year
Old-time equipment on display at a previous National Pike Steam, Gas & Horse Association summer show.
Brad Hundt
Vintage tractors will be among the attractions at the National Pike Steam, Gas & Horse Association summer show.
Over 43 years the National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association Show has become a global affair, and is back in action this weekend.
The show begins Friday and runs until Sunday at 222 Spring Road, Centerville, and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
“We feature antique equipment that made this country what it is today,” said Scott Higinbotham, the event coordinator. “From farming equipment to antique cars, tractors, coal mining equipment, a blacksmith shop and a sawmill — we demonstrate quite a bit of this all day long.”
The event has grown substantially since the National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association came together in 1980. According to the organization’s website, the group was founded by Bob Livingston, Dean Red, Linsey Gillis, Thomas Weaver and Ed Neal. Together, they donated five acres of land for the original show grounds. Gillis had a sawmill and other machines for demonstrations, while Weaver displayed his tractors.
“Five gentlemen had been to different shows and said, ‘Hey, we could do our own.’ It has expanded, we own all of our property. We have over 100 hundred acres. It has grown from just a few members and five acres to over a 100 acres with over 600 members,” Higinbotham said.
The demonstrations and displays at the show will be wide ranging. A new guest at this year’s event will be the National Massey Collectors Association (MCA). This group travels across the country with its collection of tractors and related equipment from Massey Ferguson, which was originally founded in 1847. They are stopping at the steam, gas and horse association show as part of their Massey North American Expo.
“They’re expected to bring 150 to 200 tractors. There is going to be plenty to see right there,” Higinbotham said. “We’re always working on different things and looking for new features.”
In addition to the antique equipment and demonstrations, there will also be crafts, a flea market, food and live entertainment.
Higinbotham said the event attracts worldwide attention.
“We’ve had people from Australia, New Zealand, half a dozen or more European countries,” Higinbotham said. “It’s surprising even to us how many come and enjoy our show.”
Admission to the steam, gas and horse association show is $7 per person, while children under 12 can enter for free. On Friday, admission for senior citizens will be $5. Parking is free.
“We try to keep our prices as low as possible so the family can come up and enjoy the day without spending a fortune,” Higinbotham said.