Inman Antique Expo features locals, set for March 4-5

The second annual Inman Antique Expo will be held at Minter’s Farm in south Fayette County March 4-5. The event is held in the same location as the annual Inman Farm Heritage Days in September and will include the 13th annual Inman Antique Truck Show, previously held on Father’s Day weekend. The show will feature antique cars, trucks, tractors and equipment, plus numerous other demonstrations of old-time equipment.

Stephanie Minter Adamek, who promotes the Inman shows along with her parents Rick and Joanne Minter, said the support from local Farm Bureaus makes it possible for visitors to see a great event without having to pay admission.

“Since the beginning we have used our shows to promote agriculture past and present,” Adamek said. “Agriculture is Georgia’s biggest industry, and even though our counties have become more urban, it’s still important for people here to understand the role ag plays in our daily lives.”

One new addition to the permanent exhibits at the showgrounds on Hill’s Bridge Road is a replica of an old-time engine shop where a farmer would have taken his tractor or truck for major repairs. Joe Mangham, a member of the Pike County Old Tractor and Equipment Club, will be the host of the new exhibit.

Mangham, who retired from his job as a machinist at Delta Air Lines, will demonstrate the inner workings of engines and how cylinder heads are reworked and how worn blocks are bored.
The engine shop is near the Jim and Sarah Minter Nature Trail, which opened last year and carries visitors on an educational tour through the woods of the showgrounds and to the Betsill Family Moonshine Exhibit, one of the more popular attractions at the Inman shows.

The trail ends near a group of exhibits that include the Maxwell Machine Shop, the Bristol Sawmill, the Greuel Cider Shed as well as a planning mill, shingle mill, and shops for antique clocks and antique guns.

Another new exhibit area is Joanne’s Doll House next to the Broom Shop in the General Store building. This room will have antique dolls and paraphernalia as well as showcase the late Mr. John Drake’s miniature houses he created over the years.

Drake was a long-time supporter of the Heritage Days and built the foundation and chimney for Miss Quinnie’s cabin as well as the foundation and chimney for the syrup kettle. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

There will be a Parade of Power Saturday at noon with several food vendors including Chick-fil-A and Big Pig Barbecue.

For more, visit Mintersfarm.com, follow Inman Farm Heritage Days on Facebook or call 770-461-2840.