MidAmerica Threshing & Antique, Inc.

The MidAmerica Threshing & Antique, Inc. event is an annual agricultural and antique machinery show held at the Tipton County 4-H Fairgrounds in Tipton, Indiana, typically during the first weekend of August (August 7–10 in 2025). It focuses on demonstrating and preserving historical farming techniques and antique farm equipment, including threshing, shelling, saw milling, plowing, and hay baling, with a strong presence of John Deere and other vintage tractors and machinery.

Surrounding Area and Vibe

The event takes place at the Tipton County 4-H Fairgrounds, located at 1200 South Main Street, Tipton, Indiana. The town and fairgrounds offer a family-friendly rural Midwestern atmosphere, with a community-focused vibe celebrating agricultural heritage. Visitors often experience a nostalgic atmosphere filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of vintage farm operation and antique machinery. The fairgrounds provide ample space for machinery displays, parade routes, and activity zones, and the event is accessible for handicapped visitors.

History and Founding

The MidAmerica Threshing & Antique Show has a long-standing tradition, with its 51st annual show occurring in 2025. This indicates the event was established around the early 1970s. It was founded to preserve and educate the public on historical farming practices and antique machinery, showcasing vintage engines, tractors, and farm implements. Over the decades, it has grown into a popular gathering for antique tractor enthusiasts, collectors, and families interested in agricultural history.

Activities and Demonstrations

The event features a variety of demonstrations and activities centered on antique agriculture, including:

• Threshing demonstrations: Showing how grain was historically separated from stalks.
• Shelling: Removing kernels from corn cobs.
• Working saw mill: Demonstrations of lumber processing using antique equipment.
• Plowing and bailing: Traditional fieldwork using draft horses and antique machinery.
• Parade of Machinery: A showcase procession of tractors and antique equipment.
• Blacksmith demonstrations: Working with traditional forge techniques.
• Flea Markets: Stalls selling collectibles, parts, and antiques related to farming.
• Displays of steam engines, Rumley Oil Pull tractors, hit-and-miss gas engines, and other antique farm machinery.

Event Schedule Highlights (Typical for 2025)

• Thursday: Draft horse and pony pull events.
• Friday: Muscle tractor pull competitions.
• Saturday: Antique tractor pull competitions.
• Daily: Machinery parades, demonstrations, flea markets, and hands-on activities.

Tickets are priced at $10 for a single day or $20 for three days, with a parking fee of $5. The venue is family-friendly and promotes educational engagement with agricultural heritage.

This event serves as both a living museum of farming history and a social gathering for communities passionate about antique machinery and rural traditions. It supports preservation while offering entertainment and learning opportunities for all ages.