Tractor Show in Mentone to Host Red Power Review
Published: Friday, May 26, 2023
International farm equipment will be featured at the annual Mentone Tractor, Engine, Garden Tractor Show and Swap on June 2-3 at the Mentone Airport. Admission is free.
This is the third year for the tractor show in Mentone. Each year, the show gets bigger and better. Exhibitors come from Indiana, Michigan and Ohio as well as other states.
"This is a family friendly, community show to promote agricultural history," said Tiff Adams, one of the show's organizers. "We have a different feature each year and this year we have invited the Northern Indiana International Harvester Collectors Chapter No. 33 to join us."
The gathering of IH collectors and equipment is known officially as the Red Power Review. Rob Meyers, president of the Northern Indiana IH Collectors Chapter, says members have something special to celebrate at this year's show. 2023 is the 100th anniversary of the Farmall tractor.
"The Farmall revolution began in 1923," Meyers said. "The Ford Model T brought the automobile to the masses. In the same way, the Farmall Regular changed farming forever. One goal is 100 Farmalls for 100 years. We will also be displaying all the major engineering upgrades to the Farmall tractor over the years, with each engineering upgrade on display."
Adams points out that the show is open to all tractor makes and models.
Besides antique tractors and equipment, there will be a nice display of garden tractors and hit-and-miss engines, along with demonstrations, including blacksmithing and corn grinding.
"Each year we pride ourselves in adding new activities," Adams said. "This year is the touch-a-truck event from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, along with a pedal pull at 2 p.m. for ages 3-11."
The touch-a-truck event allows children sit in fire trucks, cement trucks and dump trucks.
Adams says there are activities for all ages.
"It's amazing to see the young folks learning from the older generations about the knowledge they have on their items," she said. "We ask that you come and see what it's all about."
Meyers said one of the highlights of the show is Friday at 6:30 p.m., when everyone will gather around the fire for food and fellowship.
"There's something special about sitting around the fire and enjoying a meal together," he said. "Everyone is welcome, and you need not be a member to set and enjoy a meal with us.
In addition, the Tippecanoe Valley and Rochester FFA chapters will be serving pancakes and sausages for breakfast and lunch both days. The free-will donation will go to support their FFA events throughout the year.
Camping for exhibitors and spectators is still available along with vendor spots. For more information, contact Adams at 574/376-0347.
For those who aren't familiar with the Northern Indiana IH Collectors Chapter 33, Meyers invites them to come to the show to learn what the group is all about.
For more information about the Northern Indiana IH Collectors, call Meyers 574/354-7244.
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