Frank Denzler
The annual Pioneer Engineers Club of Indiana reunion, more commonly known by area residents as the “Pioneer Steam Engine Show,” is gearing up for it annual event.
This will mark the second year the show will be held at the not-for-profit organization’s permanent location roughly four miles southwest of Rushville on CR 200W.
A number of improvements will greet this year’s visitors and participants.
The local Knights of Columbus building on the grounds will provide meals throughout the four-day running of the event. It is also anticipated that a Kennedy covered bridge relocation will be completed in time for the event and will provide a link between the steam engines and the tractor area of the show grounds. Other upgrades and improvements from the initial year at the site will also be evident.
“The K of C building will be open this year providing meals, especially breakfast and coffee for campers, participants and visitors. That is something we couldn’t offer last year. We also have added Tobi Land, the new playground area for kids, and made additions to the steam engine area in the belt-work area. A lot of fill work has been done in the low lying areas and is continuing as we speak to make it easier for people to get around the grounds,” Tracy Porter, whose family has been involved in the “steam show” since its beginning, said.
This year the International Case Expo will be featured at the event, with a variety of Case tractors and other farm equipment and steamers of various shapes and sizes in attendance.
“Annually we have roughly 6,000 to 8,000 visitors for the show and we expect a substantial increase of that total this year. We have plans for the next few years to make other improvements on the property. We hope to add a blacksmith shop and a line-shaft building that will house old antique machinery and a number of items that individuals have donated to us over the years. There will be a lot of new things to come,” Porter said.
Many families are in their second or even third generation of involvement in the annual event, with many participants arriving from neighboring states to be a part of the assorted events and festivities.
Activities throughout the event will vary, from the daily parade of engines to games and contests for the youngsters.
“I can’t say enough about the Rush County Community Foundation and others for help in financially assisting with many of the upgrades and projects. We would not be nearly as far along as we are without their help,” organizer Marc Houston said.
There will be a number of local clubs that will participate by having booths stationed throughout the grounds as well as a large flea market area.
What may not be common knowledge is that there also is a building at Caldwell Pioneer Acres that can be utilized for community purposes throughout the year.
“It is our hope that this area will serve the community in a variety of ways, from wedding receptions to a campground facility, when not being utilized by the steam show once a year,” one of the organizers said.
This year’s “steam show” will officially begin at 9 a.m. August 6 and run through August 9.
As work continues at the site, other organizers have been busy placing signs to help visitors find Caldwell Pioneer Acres.
The general public is encouraged to pay a visit to Caldwell Pioneer Acres and see the working museum in action. For more information visit www.pioneerengineers.com.
Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.
