Antique tractors to be on display

The grumbling engines of century-old tractors will echo through Carson Valley this weekend as the Antique Engine and Tractor Show takes over 10 acres of land in Minden.

As many as 500 tractors and other farm equipment, like generators, engines and water pumps, will be on display for the public. All the equipment is from the mid 1800s up through the early 1900s, and all of it is still working.

"It's a working museum of the Industrial Revolution," said Bill Ramsden, organizer for the event. "The show is extremely educational. People can see how these things were done at the turn of the century."

The event will also feature a tractor parade at noon Saturday followed by a tractor pull, which Ramsden said has always been a crowd favorite. There will be another tractor pull Sunday at 11 a.m.

The event is in its seventh year, and Ramsden said each year brings something new and different. This year, more than 3,000 people are expected to attend the show.

All exhibitors must be members of the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association, a worldwide organization with 150 chapters and 20,000 members.

Ramsden, who is president of the Northern Nevada chapter, said the club is more than a tractor club. It is for people interested in all types of antique powered machinery.

"It's a lot bigger hobby than people realize," Ramsden said.

Dennis Chaney, who helped Ramsden organize the event, described the show as a "family deal."

There will be a tractor shuttling people into the show from the road, which he said the children would love.

"Just as many women and kids come as men," Ramsden said.

IF YOU GO:

What: Antique Engine and Tractor Show

Where: A 10-acre lot at the corner of Stephanie Way and Heybourne Road in Minden

When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 18, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost: $3, children under 12 are free