GENTRY — It was again a busy weekend at the Tired Iron of the Ozarks showgrounds south of Gentry on April 15-17 as the antique engine and tractor club held its 19th Annual Spring Crank-up and Swap Meet.

Old tractors were lined up for showing and paraded past spectators during the parade of power held at noon each day, with information shared over a speaker system as each tractor passed by the stands.

Two old sawmills were up and running and cutting logs, with the cut timber being finished in the mill’s planer to be used to finish buildings on the site to house more tractors and equipment.

Youngsters were allowed to drive the club’s new “driver’s ed tractor” around the grounds. The tractor was outfitted by club member Glenn Smith with an extra seat, brake pedal and clutch so inexperienced tractor drivers could have the controls but yet have help if needed. About 40 young drivers received a pin and certificate after their turn at the wheel, Smith said.

Other farming equipment demonstrations were also held over the weekend, showing how the now antiques were once used on local farms.

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Tired Iron of Ozarks

In addition to the regular demonstrations on Friday and Sunday, the Blacksmith Organization of Arkansas was demonstrating the metal-working art Saturday in the blacksmith shop - outfitted just as small-town blacksmith

Numerous types and varieties of old engines and implements were on display and demonstrated for visitors throughout the weekend show.

In a newer building on the grounds, sewing machines and other antique household goods and machines were shown and demonstrated. Corn was being removed from the husk and ground into corn meal the old fashioned way.

“We appreciate everyone that comes out to the shows,” Smith said, “and all the hard work that club members put into it each year.”

The 19th Annual Spring Crank-up and Swap Meet was open all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Church services were held Sunday morning on the grounds for club members and show visitors.

The showgrounds are located between Gentry and Siloam Springs on Taylor Orchard Road, and the club holds spring and fall shows each year which are free to the public.

More information on the club, its meetings and its shows is available at www.tiredironoftheozarks.org.

News, Pages 8 on 04/27/2011