This is so much more than "just tractors", as if that alone wouldn't be enough....! 😁 But no, there are antique cars, vintage trucks, advertising and delivery vehicles....a train you can ride around the grounds to view the entire event! Steam-powered tabletop machinery, tractor races and amazing opportunities to photograph unusual equipment and automotive history. I'm telling you, this is an event NOT to be missed - here, check out my blog post about attending one of the previous summer shows here.
See what I mean? The scope of sights is mind-blowing and this is a really great chance for the entire family to spend a day admiring and enjoying beautiful machinery together. We drive almost two hours each way during the hottest part of the summer just to attend and it's totally worth it - I'm pretty sure you will walk away with tons of great photos and memories. If you talk to the exhibitors that is even better, as they love to share details and history about their prized family treasures and rural farming stories. (I mean, when was the last time you saw an Esso tiger up close!?)
In 1973, a group of enthusiastic people with various occupations and backgrounds united to preserve the rural heritage of the local region. They were led by their interest in collecting and restoring antique agricultural equipment. This group would be known as the Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association. There were 79 charter members, eight of them youth members. There are now more than 250 active members and 400 associate members.
The Association started with a small piece of ground on Route 50 north of Easton. Over the years, parcels have been added until now the grounds cover almost 60 acres, occupied by a dozen buildings. Many of the buildings house machinery and equipment restored to museum condition. Tuckahoe is a 501(c)(3) non-profit all volunteer organization with thousands of hours of labor donated each year in the administration of the Association and maintaining the grounds and the buildings. Many of these hours are also spent collecting and restoring the old equipment and displaying it so that future generations will be able to learn about their proud heritage.
The Association's goal is to not only to display the equipment, but to operate it during shows and events. This keeps the equipment from getting lost to history, and motivates the younger generations to participate, allowing them to learn the skills and crafts of their ancestors. Farming techniques and skills that previously supported the rural communities are handed down to future generations.
Over the years, the Association has sponsored many family-oriented events at the show grounds to finance the needs of the growing organization. Community support of events including the annual show, tractor pulls, rodeos and music shows have allowed us to further our goal of preserving rural heritage.
Over forty years of friendships, hard work, and community support are clearly in evidence in this unique place called Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association. All of those involved, from the founders to the present members, are proud of their contribution to the Eastern Shore community and the community of similar organizations dedicated to the preservation of our agricultural legacy. In 2011 the Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association was honored to receive the Talbot County Historical Society's prestigious "Heritage Award". Source: website
Directly on Route 50 just a short drive once you cross over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Physical address is 11472 Ocean Gateway | Easton, MD 21601.
Links to check out:
• Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association website
• Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Association on Facebook
• Show program for the 47th annual event
I hope you go and have a blast! It's one of the really cool things here on Delmarva that I think everyone should experience and enjoy. Stay cool and drink lots of water and visit my Facebook page to see updates and share your photos. Thanks for reading!
Andrea
community advocate • marketing consultant • voice for small business
classic car lover • salt life • believer that "together we accomplish more"
classic car lover • salt life • believer that "together we accomplish more"
