About This Festival
The Franklin County Antique Machinery Show is one of the largest antique machinery shows in Indiana, celebrating its 30th year in 2025. It is scheduled for September 25 to 28, 2025, and takes place at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Brookville, Indiana. The event features extensive displays of antique machinery, with specific highlights including Minneapolis Moline tractors, Ohio built engines, steam engines, sawmill demonstrations, threshing, antique tractor pulls, horse pulls, and tractor games. There is also a flea market area with related collectibles, making it a comprehensive celebration of agricultural and industrial heritage.
Surrounding Area and Vibe:
Brookville and Franklin County offer a rural, historic small-town atmosphere, enhancing the nostalgic and community-focused vibe of the show. The fairgrounds provide ample space for outdoor demonstrations and activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of traditional farming and machinery operation.
Event Activities and Attractions:
- Antique Tractor Pulls: Competitions where vintage tractors pull weighted sleds to test strength and endurance.
- Horse Pull: Traditional horse-drawn competitions demonstrating draft horse power.
- Steam Engines and Sawmill demonstrations: Working steam-powered equipment showing historical methods of processing wood and powering machines.
- Threshing: Exhibitions of cutting and processing grain the old-fashioned way.
- Tractor Games: Fun, competitive events involving antique tractors, likely skill-based and entertaining for all ages.
- Flea Market: Vendors selling parts, memorabilia, tools, and collectibles related to antique machinery.
Typical Rough Schedule and Locations:
While a detailed minute-by-minute itinerary is not published, the event usually runs throughout the day from Thursday to Sunday with activities organized around the fairgrounds. Tractor pulls and horse pulls often occur in designated arenas or rings, sawmill and steam engine demos and threshing take place in workshop-like outdoor areas, and flea market booths are arrayed in vendor lots. Family-friendly events and games typically occur near sheltered or communal spaces within the grounds.
History and Founding:
The Franklin County Antique Machinery Show began roughly 30 years ago, driven by local enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and educating the public about antique farm equipment and machinery. The show has grown into a major regional event showcasing rare and classic agricultural technology, with an emphasis on community involvement and historical preservation.
Accessibility & Facilities:
The event is handicapped accessible and charges an admission fee. Amenities such as camping (primitive style) are available but tend to sell out due to high demand.
For more information, including vendor sign-ups and real-time updates, the official site is managed by the Franklin County Antique Machinery Club at fcamc.org, and they maintain a Facebook page for community engagement.
In summary, the Franklin County Antique Machinery Show is a large, multi-day event designed to offer hands-on, educational, and entertaining experiences focused on antique agricultural machinery and rural heritage, deeply rooted in the Franklin County community.