Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene is kicking off its 2025 event season on Father’s Day with a show that’s sure to appeal to dads of all ages and their families too.
Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Sunday (June 15), the 26th annual Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show offers a nostalgic look at tractors, vintage farm trucks, antique engines, and more.
As always, the family-friendly event will see local collectors bring to life antique tractors and steam engines as they compete for more than 20 awards, including Best Unique Exhibit, Best Display, and Lang Pioneer Village’s Choice.
At noon, tractor games (including lawn tractor races) will feature tractors trying to balance on a tilted platform as fast as possible or manoeuvre through an obstacle course while balancing a tin can on a stick.
Visitors can see displays including smoke and steam collectibles, hit-and-miss engines, and antique tool collections, and learn about the many ways power was generated in the 19th century.
There will be a variety of historic demonstrations including grinding at the Grist Mill, weaving on the village’s Jacquard loom, natural dyeing, wood bending, and rope making, along wood turning by the Peterborough Artisan Centre Wood Turners and Kawartha Woodturners Guild.
The day also includes tractor and wagon tours of the village, a model train display brought by the Ganaraska Railway Modellers, live traditional music by Appalachian Celtic, a craft area, and old-fashioned games for the kids in the schoolyard (with a corn sandbox play area for the kids). Families can also visit the farm animals on loan from Harley Farms in Keene all summer.
Food options (for an additional fee) include freshly popped kettle corn from Ben’s Kettle Corn, BBQ from the Bewdley Lions Club food truck (cash only), fresh Empire Cheese curds in the Cheese Factory, and refreshments and sweet treats at the Keene Hotel. For those up for a delicious gastronomic challenge, there will also be a pie-eating contest at 2 p.m. on the Village Green (limited spaces available).
The day will finish with a tractor parade through the village beginning at 3 p.m.
Admission to the Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show is $17 for adults, $12 for students and seniors 60 and older, and $9 for children and youth ages five to 14, with free admission for children under five. Family admission is also available for $45 and includes two adults and up to four children and youth.
Tickets can be purchased in advance or when arriving at Lang Pioneer Village Museum. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, visit langpioneervillage.ca/smoke-steam-show/.
Other special events at Lang Pioneer Village Museum this summer include the 28th Annual Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show on Sunday, July 13 and a Corn Roast on Sunday, August 17. Outside of special events, the museum’s summer hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays until August 31 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
