LILLINGTON – Located on Alexander Drive in Lillington, you will find Sandhills Farm Park. At first glance, it appears to be a small town of sorts, or possibly a farming community. You will see a country kitchen, depot and a barn across the way. Farm equipment is parked underneath a pole barn, and the loom house sits with its window shut. All this comes alive and inviting when the Sandhills Antique Farm Equipment Club holds its bi-annual shows.
Twice a year, in the spring and the fall, the club hosts events, inviting the public to attend.
“These shows offer good wholesome family fun for everyone from 1 to 101,” said club Vice President Ronnie Thomas.
The events attract crowds and showcase vintage tractors, threshing, corn grading, a working sawmill, hit and miss engines, antique cars and trucks, and railroad equipment. The shows offer educational experiences with members providing demonstrations. Vendors join the shows to sell goods and unique items to the public.
This year’s spring show will be held Friday and Saturday, March 21-22, with gates opening at 9 a.m. each day. The fall show is scheduled for Oct. 17-18, so save the date.
Next weekend’s 17th annual Old Timey Farm Days will feature a few new attractions. There will be dog and sheep demonstrations by Working Aussies Homestead, rescued owls by Holly’s Nest Animal Rescue, and pet grooming demonstrations by Petsense.
Available activities for the children include free barrel train rides, a tractor pull and corn hole toss. Sybil the Clown will be there visiting on Saturday, March 22, from noon to 2 p.m.
Won 4 Christ will provide musical entertainment on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
For those hungry appetites after having so much fun, the club will sell breakfast and lunch items in the Welcome Center.
Emphasis on education
The Sandhills Antique Farm Equipment Club places a strong emphasis on education. The club offers a scholarship opportunity to Harnett County seniors planning to obtain a major in agriculture. To learn more about the scholarship opportunity, contact your school’s guidance department.
The club strives to educate the youth about the evolution of farming technology and offers Ag Days two times per year in both the spring and fall. Area students attend the event where they receive a glimpse at farming of years past. Stations are visited throughout the park where various demonstrations occur such as canning, weaving and threshing.
As the Sandhills Antique Farm Equipment Club continues its mission to restore and preserve antique equipment and the history of agriculture, it aims to increase its membership to carry on its mission for years to come. Club members say they are excited that younger families are joining. It gives hope that the history and preservation of agriculture will continue.
What began as a small group of enthusiasts 25 years ago has flourished into today’s group of men, women and youth.
Those interested in becoming a part of the Sandhills Antique Farm Equipment Club are invited to attend a monthly meeting held at 6 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month at the Sandhills Antique Farm Equipment Club’s Farm Park, 300 Alexander Drive, Lillington.
-Courtesy The Daily Record of Dunn
