Celebrate 43 Years of Farm History with Tractors, Quilts, Crafts, and Family Fun – Sept. 6–7 in Shelby
Iowa farm history will be showcased September 6 and 7 in Pottawattamie County at Carstens Farm during the 43rd Annual Carstens Farm Days. This year, John Deere tractors and equipment will take center stage. The farm show has long highlighted historic farm operations, from threshing machines and sawmill demonstrations to all makes and models of tractors that bring back memories for visitors. Guests can also enjoy a wide variety of crafters and vendors, along with a colorful quilt show that adds to the charm of the weekend. As a true celebration of rural heritage and community spirit, Carstens Farm Days offers travelers and locals alike a chance to experience something fun, memorable, and uniquely Iowa.
Watch the Farm Come Alive
Nothing captures the excitement of Farm Days quite like seeing it for yourself—take a look at the sights, sounds, and fun that make this event a must-visit each September.
Horse, Steam, and Gas Power
Come see steam engines powering antique threshing machines, antique cars, trucks, and machinery, along with a daily parade, crafts, and entertainment. More than 200 restored antique tractors will be on display. The original Carstens farm buildings will also be open for tours, alive with demonstrations that bring back memories for older visitors and provide hands-on history lessons for young people.
Food for All
Fresh hamburgers, chips, nachos, sides, pies, and more will be available throughout the weekend.
Make plans for dinner on September 5 and 6 at the farm. A pork supper—featuring a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, and coleslaw—will be prepared by Farm Days food services provider Leonard’s Lunchbox of Avoca on Friday, September 5. The meal will be served from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for just $12.
Staley’s Chicken Dinner will be held on Saturday, September 6, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. A delicious meal with dessert will cap off a terrific day, with proceeds supporting on-going maintenance at Carstens 1880 Farmstead. A cashless payment option will be available for this dinner.
And don’t forget dessert—homemade ice cream will be in plentiful supply during Farm Days. B & N’s Homemade Ice Cream from Treynor is always a crowd favorite, and root beer floats will also be served.
John Deere Tractors and Equipment
John Deere equipment of all types will be featured during Farm Days. John Deere tractor and implement owners are invited to bring their exhibits to display throughout the weekend.
Horsepower testing, sawmill operations, and field demonstrations will keep exhibitors busy all day. More than 250 pieces of vintage equipment were on display during the 2024 Farm Days show. Visitors will also enjoy watching the restored tractors parade through the grounds each afternoon at 2 p.m.
Quilt Show
A colorful display of quilts, wall hangings, wearable art, and other quilting projects will be featured in the special event building at the farm. A raffle for a handmade quilt will take place on Sunday evening, with tickets sold throughout the weekend.
Talented quilters from across the area will share their works of art for all to enjoy. Even if you have never displayed a quilt before, you are invited to join the fun and bring a quilt to share. Exhibitors are asked to deliver quilts on Friday, September 5. For details about the quilt show or to inquire about adding your quilt to the collection, please call Kristina Larsen at 402-637-8880.
Crafts, Plants, and Treats Galore
If visitors find themselves ready for a break from vintage tractors and machinery, they’ll discover more than 50 crafters and vendors on hand. A wide array of crafts, plants, vintage and antique items will be available—from unique toys to honey from local beekeepers.
A hearty crop of farm-grown potatoes will also be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting improvements to the farmstead.
Four handmade miniature barns will be auctioned on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m., immediately following the parade. Each barn is unique and would make a wonderful addition to a child’s playroom or a standout display piece for a home. Don’t miss your chance to bid—proceeds will support ongoing operations at the farm.
Sunday Worship
On Sunday morning, a non-denominational worship service will take place at 9:00 a.m. on the lawn in front of the Carstens home. Worship will be led by the Shelby United Methodist Church. Everyone is welcome.
Admission
Admission is $10 per day for everyone nine years and older. Cashless payment will be available at the gate this year.
Carstens 1880 Farmstead, Inc., located at 32409 380th St., Shelby, IA 51570, is a nonprofit group of volunteers overseeing a 75-acre working farm museum between Minden and Shelby in Pottawattamie County. The farmstead, home to Carstens Farm Days each September, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information visit the web site: CarstensFarm.com
