Iowa farm history comes to life this weekend during the 32nd annual Carstens Farm Days. During the event which takes place south of Shelby, there’ll be thrashing, a saw mill, food and crafters, a quilt show, along with tractors and Ag equipment on display, as well as historic farm memorabilia.

Steam engines will power antique threshing machines, antique machinery, a parade, crafts, and entertainment. Over two hundred restored antique tractors will be on display. The original Carstens farm buildings will be open for tours. The buildings will be alive with demonstrations that will bring back memories for older visitors and teach valuable history lessons to young people.

To start Farm Days off right, a pancake breakfast is planned at 6:30 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The proceeds from the pancake breakfast go to the Shelby Volunteer Fire Department. The fire department volunteers will also serve lunch both days. Various non-profit local groups will be offering refreshments and delicious desserts all weekend. On Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. enjoy Staley’s Chicken for a delicious dinner. Proceeds from the dinner will go toward on-going maintenance at Carstens 1880 Farmstead.

Beginning at 6 p.m. Tamie Hall and Band will entertain visitors on the front lawn of the farmhouse. Caterpillar tractors and equipment and related brands will be the featured line this year. All Cat tractors & equipment owners are invited to bring their exhibits to display throughout the weekend. Horsepower-testing, sawmill operations and field demonstrations will occupy tractor exhibitors all day.

Nearly 250 pieces of vintage equipment were on display during the 2013 Farm Days show. Visitors will enjoy watching most of the restored tractors as they go through the parade each afternoon at 2 p.m. A quilt made especially for the 2014 Carstens Farm Days show will be raffled on Sunday evening. Raffle tickets can be purchased at area businesses. The quilt is now on display at the Shelby County State Bank in Shelby. Foggy Mountain Cloggers will perform on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on the farm’s main stage. On Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m., the Country Kickers America will entertain both young and old farmstead visitors alike.

Various music acts will add to the fun and folksy atmosphere of Farm Days. Admission is $5 per day for everyone nine years and older.

(KNOD)