Olden Days Festival Returns with Agricultural Demonstrations, Equipment and Fun
Families can explore local agricultural history at the Tri-County Antique Club’s 35th Olden Days Festival, with antique equipment, blacksmithing demonstrations and kids’ activities planned.
Our Daily Show Interview! Olden Days Set for August 22nd-23rd in Dow!
DOW - Community members can enjoy a 35-year tradition at the Tri-County Antique Club’s annual Olden Days Festival.
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From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, the Tri-County Antique Club will host its 35th festival for families to enjoy. Live entertainment, a car show, tractor pulls, demonstrations, and a flea market all headline the festival, with plenty more planned.
It’s such a good event, such a family-oriented event,” said Tom Bechtold with Tri-County Antique Club. “We enjoy putting it on.We’re looking forward to this 35th annual event.”
Located at 23946 State Highway 3 in Jersey County, the Tri-County Antique Club was chartered 50 years ago to celebrate agricultural heritage. They work hard to restore and preserve antique farm equipment as well as to educate community members about the area’s history.
Admission to the Olden Days Festival costs $5 per person per day. Kids 12 and under are free, as is parking. There is no charge from 7–9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23.
The club will serve breakfast until 10:30 a.m. both days, and then they will serve lunch. There are several other food vendors available, offering everything from hamburgers and hotdogs to kettle corn and fried fish. There is no alcohol at this event.
On Saturday, Aug. 22, the garden tractor pull starts at 11 a.m., while the pedal tractor pull is scheduled for 1 p.m. Bechtold loves watching the kids during the pedal tractor pull, but he is especially excited to see the participants’ tractors for the main event at 11 a.m.
“The garden tractor pulls will be happening. Those are always a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s amazing what they can do with a little garden tractor. You won’t believe it. You won’t believe how much it can pull and how fast it can go. They soup up those little tractors. They get them going. Those guys are serious about it.”
Saturday will conclude with a parade at 2 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 23, a country church service starts at 9 a.m. Bechtold believes this will be a special service for everyone who attends.
“We have a local minister who does a little preaching for us,” he said. “We play some gospel music and he gives a little talk for maybe 20 minutes or so. It’s just a nice way to begin your Sunday morning.”
Also on Sunday, attendees can enjoy an 11 a.m. car show, more tractor pulls, demonstrations and other activities. A raffle with major prizes will announce winners at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
There will be a flea market running throughout the weekend, as well as blacksmithing demonstrations and antique games and chores for kids to try. You can see a full schedule of events at the official webpage.
Bechtold added that the Tri-County Antique Club is seeking more members and volunteers. Membership costs $10 a year for an individual or $15 a year for a family. Volunteers help put on the Olden Days Festival. Bechtold believes it’s a fun group of people who care deeply about local agriculture and history.
You can experience this for yourself at the Olden Days Festival. For more information about the Tri-County Antique Club, visit their official website. To learn more about the Olden Days Festival, click here.
“Bring your kids. We really encourage family participation,” Bechtold added. “We consider this a family event for the weekend. Everybody is welcome to come on out and enjoy it, have a good time.”
This featured article is sponsored by the Tri-County Antique Club. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
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