2017 American Farm Heritage Days

Oh Deere!  American Farm Heritage Days Chugs To Athens August 4th and 5th 

It's time for the annual celebration of the people and equipment which have helped to keep America fed during the 25th Annual Piney Chapel American Farm Heritage Days in Athens.   This two-day family-friendly event was awarded the Southeast Tourism Society's Top 20 Events in August award.

The event opens.. 

... Friday with the annual Tractor Ride starting with a safety meeting at 9:00AM and the once-a-year opportunity to enjoy a mechanized trip up the Richard Martin Rails-to-Trails and scenic byways of northern Limestone County rolling out at 10:00AM.   Be sure to pack your wallet and appetite because the pause in Elkmont will offer the opportunity to enjoy a meal with the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association -- and a little shopping too -- before returning to the showgrounds around 2:00PM.

If you can't make the Tractor ride, don't worry you still have plenty of time to come enjoy... the Parade of Power at 4:00PM.  All makes and models of farm equipment - especially tractors - will line up in procession and rumble by.  There may be even a few surprises in the Parade of Power - you never know what may show up or happen.

Those who have to come even a little later on Friday will get a chance to get a plate of fresh fried fish at the Fish Fry at 5:00PM.  Be sure to bring your campchair or blanket and stay for the concert at 5:30PM featuring local musicians.

Saturday starts early with the Invocation and National Anthem at 8:00AM.  The competitions rev up at 8:30AM with the Fast Crank bringing the roar and RPM's to the Elkton Road showgrounds.  Driving skills are put to the test during the Chain In A Box at 9:00AM.  There's also a chance to see a Threshing Demonstration at 9:00AM to see how cereal grains are harvested from plants.

Boys and Girls age 8 and under will want to signup for the Pedal Pull at 9:30am.  These little farmers will put their might behind the peddle and be the center of attention as they provide the crank to pull the sled of the tiny tractors at 10:00AM.

Noon time will rumble to life with the Parade of Power rolling through the grounds showcasing every model and make of tractor and farm equipment in one mighty processions.  At 1:00PM you can experience your not-so-typical race -- Slow Races.   Slow Races give drivers a chance to showcase the amazing gearing and mechanics of their tractors -- as crawling the field in planting season is best down slow and steady  and this competition will find the slowest of them all.   You can catch another Threshing Demonstration at 1:00PM too if you didn't get to see the 9:00AM show.

Roll up your sleeves ladies and loosen up your throwing arm, your time has come as the Skillet Throw slings the iron at 2:00PM.  Three categories are open for the Skillet Throw:  ages 6 and under; ages 7-14; and perhaps the group with the biggest competition is the last, ages 15-100.  

There will be plenty more going on at the American Farm Heritage Days show grounds with vendors and flea market to peruse. Antique cars and trucks will be onsite too.  Tasty concessions will be available including the Southern classic -- Pinto Beans and Cornbread!  Don't forget to take a peek around at the concessions and see what homemade desserts are available too.

Admission is $5.00 with children 10 and under free.

For more information:   FACEBOOK
Contact:
David Hargrove  256-431-6226
Allen Dement 256-431-0619
Marvin Putman 256-431-2316
Mike Hodges 256-206-5926

Map to the American Farm Heritage Days show grounds: