About the Event The 42nd Annual Vintage Tractor and Farm Festival is a beloved family-friendly celebration of agricultural heritage and farming history held at the beautiful Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point. This weekend-long event brings together antique farm equipment enthusiasts, history buffs, and families seeking a nostalgic glimpse into rural life and farming traditions. With the theme "Harvesting the Past, Planting the Future," the festival showcases the ingenuity and craftsmanship of bygone eras while celebrating the vital role agriculture has played in shaping Indiana's communities. Whether you're a serious collector, a casual history enthusiast, or simply looking for wholesome family fun, this festival offers something for everyone with its impressive collection of working demonstrations, interactive activities, and genuine small-town charm. ## Activities & Attractions The festival features an extraordinary array of attractions that bring farming history to life. You'll witness operational demonstrations of antique tractors, steam traction engines, and vintage farm equipment in action. The working exhibits include a functioning sawmill and shingle mill, buzz saws, corn shelling and grinding equipment, wheat threshing and baling machines, corn shredding demonstrations, and a working blacksmith shop. The Letz Mill and Baker Fan are also on display, showcasing the mechanical innovations that transformed agricultural work. For children, the festival is packed with engaging activities including a kiddie barrel ride, bounce houses, a kiddie tractor pull (held Saturday and Sunday at noon), pony rides, a kiddie tractor "train" ride, free kids' crafts, and face painting. There's also a dance demonstration that adds to the festive atmosphere. Beyond the working demonstrations, you'll find an impressive collection of antique tractors, garden tractors, antique cars, antique trucks, and semi-trucks. The 2026 festival is featuring Allis Chalmers and Rumely Oil Pull Tractors as special attractions. A petting zoo, model dairy farm display, and fine arts building with an elaborate Christmas village display round out the attractions. The festival also includes a flea market and swap meet, a pie booth with homemade offerings, food trucks with various dining options, and a bags tournament on Friday and Saturday nights. A yard equipment raffle and quilt raffle offer chances to win great prizes, with raffle tickets available for purchase. ## Schedule & Logistics Gates open each morning at 9:00 AM with opening ceremonies beginning promptly at 9:00 AM. Operational exhibits and activities run from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and until approximately 4:00 PM on Sunday. The farmers market portion of the festival begins on Thursday, July 9th from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, then continues Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission is just $5 per person at the gate, with children under 10 admitted free with a paid adult. Parking is available in the midway area, and handicap parking is provided for accessibility. Enter through Gate 4 at the South entrance (Court Street and 121st Avenue). Exhibitors and those with passes should use Gate 6. For more information, contact the South Lake County Antique Farm and Tractor Club at 219-629-0389 or 219-779-5965, or email [email protected].