Show returns us to good old days

PENFIELD – The “good old days” are alive and well this weekend during the Historic Farm Days celebration in Penfield.

The four-day event sponsored by the I&I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club runs through Sunday. This year’s show features Oliver and Hart Parr tractors along with parades, daily demonstrations, corn shelling, vendors and live music.

“We are really fortunate to have all kinds of talent,” said Chris Parr who serves as the PA announcer. “Some of those people don’t want to be recognized.”

The show has new visitors each year and everyone seems to be impressed, according to Parr.

John Bensyl oversees the blacksmith shop which closely resembles a shop many towns had in the early 1900s.

“It seemed like everybody had one. The blacksmith made all kinds of stuff from log chains and nails to plow shears,” Bensyl explained.

Blacksmiths were even known to redo the runners on corn planters in later years. The loud banging of hammers seems to bring people to the blacksmith shop area. The nearby burning coal brings a distinctive aroma to the area.

Friday is Kids Day with tractor games, putt-putt golf and bingo. Saturday’s schedule includes a kid’s obstacle course, the sanctioned tractor pull and steam engine spark show at dusk along with fireworks. Then on Sunday, Marvin Lee and Logan Kirby perform gospel music in the old Penfield church from 9:30-11:00 a.m.

Mark your calendar now because next year’s show is planned for July 11-14 featuring the IH and Farmall brands.