Written by
Cayce Lee
Social Media Specialist, ALCTA
Local Festival Celebrates American Farming
Heritage, Contributions and Equipment
Two miles north of the Elm Street and Elkton Road intersection takes on a life of the past, present and future of American farming. The Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days roll onto the green rolling meadows of the rich and oft rewarding soil of north Limestone County on August 1st and 2nd.
An amazing collection of vintage and modern equipment comes together during this two day festival. This showcase of gasoline engines, steam engines, antique tractors, cars, trucks, horse drawn equipment are just part of the interest of this heritage festival. The Parade of Power is a sight to behold with the power motors revving past in processions. Then the competitions kick off with these mechanized workhorses at the center of the show
The Chain in the Box competition uses a box that has been spray printed on the ground. One end of the chain is attached to the ground. The other end is attached to the tractor and the rest of the chain is pulled out of the box and stretched by each competitor competing for the best time.
The field of competition continues with the Fast Crank which goes to the fast manual start of a tractor and Slow Races which goes to the slowest run tractor on the field. The kids will also take to the field for a tykes Peddle Pull with the winner have strong legs and endurance on their side. The ladies are not left out of the fun either with the Skillet Throw -- featuring the attempts of interested parties to heave the skillet the furthest.
August 1st kicks off at 7:00AM when the show grounds open welcoming everyone. Admissions is $5.00 person per day and children 10 and under will enjoy free admission. Free parking adds to the value of the day's worth of fun too. Vendors with a variety of items will be on hand including parts, crafts and nic-nacs. You never know what treasure will be waiting for you. Live entertainment fills the air at 5:30PM and into the evening on Friday featuring local bands.
The day kicks into full swing with a Tractor Ride sponsored by the Limestone County Farmers Federation departing at 10:00AM. The tractors will roll down the scenic Richard Martin Rails to Trails with the permission of the Limestone County Commission allowing mechanized traffic onto the trail exclusively for this event. .A small layover in Elkmont, AL allows passengers a chance to explore the area shops and grab lunch provided by the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association. Then it's back on the Richard Martin Rails to Trails for the historic portion where the procession will cross the battleground of the Battle of Sulfur Creek Trestle. Then it's down a portion of the Noah Bike Trail to finish out this crowd pleasing favorite at the showgrounds. Anyone interested in hopping aboard the trailer of one of the tractors of this event needs to contact David Hargrove 256-431-6226 or Marvin Putnam 256-431-2316 for further details.
The concessions will open and waiting with a variety of goodies including the traditional Southern faire of Pintos and Cornbread. Concessionaires have an extra treat for arrivals and primitive campers on Saturday morning with hot breakfast biscuits.
From Nashville, take Interstate 65 south until Alabama's Exit 361-ELKMONT. Turn right immediately then turn left on Elkton Road and follow the signs. Show grounds will be approximately 5 miles on the right.
From Huntsville/Birmingham, go north on Interstate 65 and take Alabama Exit 354 and go south on U.S. Highway 31 for approximately 1/2 miles. Turn right at the traffic light onto Elm Street. Travel approximately 1/2 mile to the traffic light at Elkton and Elm streets and turn right. Go north approximately 2 miles on Elkton Road and watch for the show grounds on left.
For more information, please contact:
David Hargrove .......... 256-431-6226
Allen Dement .............256-431-0619
Marvin Putman ...........256-431-2316
Mike Hodges ..............256-206-5926
