Tri-State Antique Gas Engine & Tractor Show

The Tri-State Antique Gas Engine & Tractor Show is a large, annual event held at the Jay County fairgrounds in Portland, Indiana. The 60th edition in 2025 will run from August 20 to August 23. It is the world's largest show of its kind, featuring over 3,000 antique engines and tractors, making it a premier gathering for enthusiasts and collectors of historic farming machinery.

The event showcases a vast collection of gas and steam tractors, gas engines, and power-driven farm equipment from the turn of the 20th century, all preserved and restored by passionate collectors. Besides the machinery, there are also antique and craft dealers, providing a rich shopping experience for visitors interested in collectibles and handmade goods.

Regular features at the show include daily sawmill demonstrations and threshing, which display the operational use of historic farm tools. Other traditional demonstrations like steam threshing and horse-powered cane milling are staples, bringing agricultural history alive. Extensive entertainment and special attractions often complement the exhibits — in previous years, the event has also included antique cars, buggies, garden tractor pulls, and large flea markets.

The vibe of the event is nostalgic and family-friendly, nestled in the shaded, attractive area of the fairgrounds in a rural setting. It draws a diverse crowd ranging from serious collectors to families and tourists eager to learn more about agricultural heritage.

A rough schedule typical of the event might be:

• Each day (August 20-23): Antique engines and tractors on display, sawmill operations, threshing demonstrations.
• Saturday: Large flea market and craft dealer area open, possibly garden tractor pulls or special mechanical demonstrations.
• Sunday: Additional family-oriented activities, horse-drawn antique buggy rides, and antique car displays.
• All days: Entertainment programs including live music and possibly parades or historical reenactments.

The event was founded to promote the collection, restoration, preservation, and exhibition of antique gas engines, steam and gas tractors, and other historic farm machinery significant to agricultural heritage. Over its six decades of existence, it has grown into an internationally recognized showcase.

Contact for the 2025 show is through the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association, and the event is fully handicapped accessible with an admission charge applicable. Visitors often highlight the friendly atmosphere, rich historical displays, and the hands-on nature of demonstrations as main attractions.

In summary, the 2025 Tri-State Antique Gas Engine & Tractor Show offers a unique blend of historical machinery exhibition, live operational demonstrations, specialty vendors, and community entertainment centered on a deep appreciation for agricultural and mechanical history.