National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Assoc. show set
MALDEN – This weekend marks the 30th reunion show of the National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association. This year’s event features Farmall equipment, though many types of farming and construction equipment will be on display and in action throughout the weekend.
The event starts Friday at 9:45 a.m. and runs into the evening, with continuous demonstrations of antique equipment, musical entertainment, a craft show, a flea market and food booths run by the association. Sue Olsen, the organization’s secretary, said the longevity of the festival can be attributed to the commitment of the members.
“It is the love of antique machinery that these gentlemen have and their love of sharing it with the general public and showing the youth of today what the farmers and workers of the past went through,” Olsen said.
Olsen said the event is directly in line with the organization’s bylaws that say in part that it exists to encourage and foster knowledge of farming and industrial practices of the past.
Olsen said the past two years have been the biggest events in the nonprofit group’s history, with more participants, more people attending, more of the 60-acre site developed and more food sold than ever before.
“All that kitchen money goes back into the show. Nobody makes any money up there. We’re nonprofit,” Olsen said.
Olsen said the event appeals to all ages.
“People keep coming and they bring little kids. They love to watch them dig and they love to watch them crush rock,” Olsen said. “It’s just a great, great experience.”