Another Show in Town

I know it isn’t officially fall yet but there are many signs that is nearly upon us. Obviously football season reminds us that the weather will soon be getting cooler. With the change in weather, the mountains around Happy Valley will begin competing with The Nittany Lions for the greatest show around. There are also other shows in town that don’t necessarily compete with “The Great Show” but enhance one’s visit to the area. Last week the Nittany Antique Machinery Show in Centre Hall filled that spot. I have to say I have never been to a tractor or machinery show but I was pleasantly surprised that it was enjoyable.

Our friends from Nittany Lions on Wheels who camp at Fort Bellefonte Campground told us it would be worth our while to visit. They said in addition to the antique tractors and steam engines there was plenty of great food, specifically the homemade ham and bean soup, fresh pressed apple cider, and teaberry ice cream.

I had to laugh to myself because anywhere we go with this group food and beverages are always involved. Unfortunately for us we didn’t get to the show until late afternoon and they were sold out of many food items. I know now our friends weren’t exaggerating about the popularity of the food.

One item they weren’t out of was the fresh pressed apple cider and apple butter. It was made using old- fashioned equipment with a steam engine to run the press. This cider was not filtered or pasteurized and it tasted so good.

Beside food, the main actors for the show were the antique tractors and steam engines. They entertained audiences all day with different performances. Noteworthy was the noon- time “whistle blow” by the steam engines, the parade, and the tractor and steam engine pulls.

There were lots of other demonstrations like chainsaw carving, thrashing and straw bailing, quilting, bee keeping, wagon backing and barrel rolling to name just a few. A flea market full of new and used items and a petting zoo made this show one for the whole family.

The queen bee is marked with white out to identify her.

We enjoyed our visit so much “the lion” went back for an encore on Sunday. If you are in the area next fall for a home Penn State football game be sure to enrich your weekend with a visit to the Nittany Antique Machinery Show.