The Georgian Bay Steam Show recognizes and celebrates the inventiveness, the ingenuity and the evolution of machines that transformed agriculture, from steam engines to modern tractors.
And while those machines may be inanimate objects, there’s nothing inanimate about the Steam Show itself – flywheels spin, engines chug, pop and hiss, and belt drives power everything from rock crushers to threshing and baling machines.
It’s history in action.
From century-old horse-drawn plows to the jet-fuel-powered modified tractors participating in Sunday’s OTTPA Modified Truck and Tractor Pull, the full range of agricultural machinery is on display.
“It’s been an honour to be President of the Steam Show for the past three years, bringing agricultural history to the community for young and old,” said Gary Frampton at Saturday’s Opening Ceremonies.
John Brassard, the MP for Barrie-Innisfil, attended briefly to present a certificate congratulating the Georgian Bay Steam Club for preserving “the marvels of the steam engines and antiques” at the annual show.
Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin noted, “I’ve been coming here since the show moved back from Beeton, we think about 22 years ago.” This was the first time she has attended since becoming mayor of the municipality.
Dollin thanked the club and its volunteers.
“We so appreciate your bringing all of this culture and heritage back to our community,” she said.
The 54th annual Georgian Bay Steam Show & Family Farm Demonstration Festival continues at the Steam Show grounds, 4635 Victoria St. in Cookstown from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday.
Don’t miss the OTTPA Modified Truck and Tractor Pull Sunday at 6 p.m. Don't forget to bring ear protection, especially for the kids!
Admission is $12 on Sunday, $8 on Monday, free for accompanied children under 12. See steamshow.ca for details.
