Inman Farm Heritage Days, the annual celebration of the south Fayette community’s agricultural history, will reach a significant milestone with this year’s show on Sept. 16-18. It’s the Silver Anniversary of the event that has been held at Minter’s Farm every year but once since the inaugural show in 1997. (The 2020 event was a victim of the pandemic.)
What started out as a show of mostly antique tractors and engines has evolved over the years, with the addition of a sawmill, gristmill, syrup mill and furnace, cotton gin, moonshine still, pea sheller, blacksmith shop, print shop, broom shop and other permanent fixtures. In recent years, an antique clock shop, antique gun shop, wood planer and machine shop were added.
New for the 25th show is an 800-foot nature trail that will carry visitors down through the woods, to the creek and to the opposite side of the field. Signs identify trees found in the woods, and the flora and fauna native to the area.
The Betsill Family Moonshine Exhibit has been expanded, and two giant, single-cylinder oil field engines have been set up as well.
The shed that once housed the combine has been converted into an old-time gas station which honors the memory of Jerry Mask, owner of Fayetteville’s last full-service gas station and a long-time exhibitor at Inman Farm Heritage Days.
Many of the antique tractor collectors who exhibit at Inman Farm Heritage Days are members of the Pike County Old Tractor and Equipment Club.
Jeff McChargue, president of the Pike County Old Tractor and Equipment Club, said he and his fellow club members are planning to have a broad display of old iron.
“We will again be at the show this year, and we will be bringing lots of tractors as well as some rides for all the good people,” McChargue said. “We are super excited to spend time with the Minters and their wonderful staff, so come on out to see us and all the wonderful tractors as this will be a great event. ‘Just like mama said: y’all come, ya’ hear.’”
The show’s main host, Stephanie Minter Adamek, lives in Hollonville with her husband Greg and daughter Abigail, a fourth-generation participant.
Stephanie Adamek, who was just 12 years old at the first show but now handles most of the administrative details said she’s excited for the 25th annual event.
“Things are much different experiencing the show now than they were when I was younger. The event was nothing more than a hope and a dream. Now we have thousands of people who come out and experience the antiquities and demonstrations of agriculture from decades before.
“My daughter, Abigail, is now the same age I was when we began the Heritage Days. Being able to remember what it was like to run around with my friends and be a nuisance in general for my parents makes this a special year as Abigail is doing the same as I did.”
For more, visit Inman Farm Heritage Days on Facebook, mintersfarm.com or call 770-461-2840.
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