Iowa farm history will come to life September 7 and 8 at Carstens Farm in Shelby, IA during the 37th Annual Carstens Farm Days. The educational and entertaining weekend will include displays and demonstrations of threshing and sawmill operations along with crafters and vendors, a quilt show, and, of course, tractors!
Horse, steam, and gas power
Visitors will view steam engines powering antique threshing machines, antique machinery on display, a tractor parade, crafts and vendors, and entertainment. Over 200 restored antique tractors will be on display throughout the weekend. The original Carstens farm buildings will be open for tours, alive with demonstrations that will bring back memories for older visitors and teach valuable history lessons to young people.
Horsepower-testing, sawmill operations, and field demonstrations will occupy tractor exhibitors all day. Over 250 pieces of vintage equipment were on display during the 2018 Farm Days show. Visitors will enjoy watching most of the restored tractors as they go through the parade each afternoon at 2 p.m.
Food for all
A Friday evening pulled pork sandwich dinner will be hosted from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. by the Friends of the Shelby Stone Arch Trail Committee; all proceeds from the dinner will go to the trail committee.
All good days begin with a good breakfast and to start Farm Days off right, a great breakfast is planned at 6:30 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Snacks and lunch options will also be available throughout each day along with various nonprofit local groups offering refreshments and delicious desserts.
On Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m., enjoy Staley’s Chicken for a delicious dinner at the farm. Proceeds from the dinner will go toward on-going maintenance at Carstens 1880 Farmstead.
Minneapolis-Moline tractors and equipment
Minneapolis-Moline equipment of all types will be featured during Farm Days. Minneapolis-Moline produced a full line of tractors, engines, and farm implements from 1929 to 1973. All Minneapolis-Moline tractors and implement owners are invited to bring their exhibits to display throughout the weekend.
Quilt show
A colorful display of quilts, wall hangings, wearable art, and other types of quilting projects will be featured in the special event building at the farm. Many talented quilters from around the area will allow their works of art to be displayed for all to enjoy.
Even if you have never displayed a quilt before, consider joining the fun and participating! Exhibitors are asked to deliver their quilts on Friday, September 6. For details about the quilt show or to inquire about adding your quilt to the collection, please call Jan Hursey at (712) 544-2662 or Marilyn Evans at (712) 544-2266.
Raffle tickets for a beautiful hand-stitched quilt, which will be raffled during Farm Days will be available during the quilt show. This quilt was beautifully quilted and generously donated by Carol Von Eschen of Shelby and will be a featured part of the quilt show.
Crafts galore
There will be over fifty crafters and vendors on hand for visitors to check out during the weekend. A wide array of crafts and products will be available from unique wooden creations to home-raised honey. A very healthy crop of farm-grown potatoes will also be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale of potatoes will help make improvements to the farmstead.
Sunday worship
On Sunday morning a non-denominational worship service will take place at 9 a.m. on the lawn in front of the Carstens home. Worship will be led by Pastor Brian Wohlhuter of the United Church of Christ, Minden. Everyone is welcome to join in the worship service.
Admission
Admission is $5 per day for everyone nine years and older; those younger will be admitted for free.
This blog post originated from a press release for Carsten Farm Days by Terry Torneten.
