Iowa farm history will come to life September 12th & 13th, at the 33rd Annual Carstens Farm Days. From threshing to the saw mill, from the food to the crafters and vendors to the quilt show, from the tractors and equipment to the historic memorabilia of the Farm there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Carstens 1880 Farmstead is an 80-acre working farm museum exhibit located between Minden and Shelby, in Pottawattamie County.

You’re invited to see steam engines powering 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.

The original 1880 horse barn has been restored this summer and will be open for all to see during the 2015 edition of Carstens Farm Days which takes place September 12 & 13, 2015.

A pork supper will be held on Friday evening, Sept. 11th,  from 5 – 7 p.m. Proceeds from the pork supper will benefit the Friends of the Trail Committee in Shelby in support of the Old Stone Arch Nature Trail. On Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. enjoy Staley’s Chicken for a delicious dinner. Proceeds from the chicken 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.

Farmall tractors and equipment and related brands will be the featured line this year. All Farmall 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 2014 Farm Days show. Visitors will enjoy watching most of the restored tractors as they go through the parade each afternoon at 2 p.m.

All vintage and classic car owners are encouraged to show and shine their vehicles during Farm Days. Bring classic cars, pick-ups or works in progress. A car display area will be available to showcase the many fine vehicles from the area. This is not a judged show, so you can come out and simply have some fun.

A colorful display of quilts, wall hangings, wearable art and other types of quilting projects will be featured in the special event building at the farm. Many talented quilters from around the area will allow their works of art to be displayed for all to enjoy. Even if you have never displayed a quilt before, consider joining the fun and bringing a quilt to display. Exhibitors are asked to deliver their quilts on Friday, September 11th. For details about the quilt show or to inquire about adding your quilt to the collection, please call Jan Hursey at 712-544-2662 or Marilyn Evans at 712-544-2266.

A quilt made especially for the 2015 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, Sept. 12th at 12:30 p.m. on the farm’s main stage. On Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m., the River City Shakers will entertain young and old farmstead visitors alike. Various music acts will add to the fun and folksy atmosphere of Farm Days.

There will be over fifty crafters and vendors on hand. A special display of vintage seed corn sacks will be in the corn crib. A wide array of crafts will be available. From unique wooden creations to homemade jams and jellies, there will be something for everyone. A very healthy crop of farm-grown potatoes will also be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale of potatoes will help make improvements to the farmstead.

On Sunday morning, Sept. 13th, a non-denominational worship service will take place at 9:00 a.m. on the lawn in front of the Carstens home. Worship will be led by Kirk Parsons of the Community of Christ Church in Persia. Everyone is welcome to join in the worship service.

Admission is $5 per day for everyone nine years and older.For more information visit the web site: www.carstensfarm.com