Annual Pioneer Steam Show approaches
The four-day running of the Pioneer Engineers Club is held annually the first weekend in August and this year will mark the 68th running of the event.
Advance-Rumely steam engines and Allis Chalmers Tractors will be featured this year.
Daily activities include parade, a working line-shaft machine shop, plowing demonstrations, sawmilling, threshing, a blacksmith shop, a calliope, field events and entertainment.
According to organizers, it is anticipated the show will include roughly 25 large steam engines, 300 tractors of various makes and sizes, a variety of gas engines and flea market as well as plenty of good food. Two church services will be held – 4 p.m. Aug. 6 and 9 a.m. Aug. 7.
The reunion show is held at Caldwell Acres which is easily accessible from Rushville by taking SR 3 south to CR 325S then east to CR 200W and south a short distance.
Cost is $10 for a four-day pass (the duration of the event) or $5 for a daily pass.
The event has steadily grown in popularity. The show was held locally beginning in 1948 through 1953 during the annual running of the Rush County Fair prior to moving to Porter’s sawmill on the Rush County farm of Lawrence Porter until 1956. Due to its growing popularity, the event for a move to larger grounds at the Rushville Conservation Club east of Rushville on SR 44, where it remained until 2007. Beginning in 2008, it again relocated to its current Caldwell Acres location.
The public is invited to attend the working museum. Campsites are available for the duration of the show, for camping information, contact B.J. Bischoff at (513) 266–2128 and online at miniadvance38yahoo.comor for reunion information, contact Mark or Dawn Dieckmann at (812) 852 – 2660 or Tracy Porter at (765) 969 – 3937.
Contact: frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com or (765) 932 – 2222 x106
What: Pioneer Engineers Club Reunion Show
Where: Caldwell Acres
When: Aug. 4, 5, 6 and 7
Cost: $10 weekend pass or $5 daily pass