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Old engines and authors

Old Engine Day is Saturday in Dayton

-Messenger file photo by Hans Madsen
Roz Gustafson, of Harcourt, pulls her grandson, Atlis Rivera, of Clarion, who was 1 year old at time, around the 2017 Dayton Old Engine Day in a custom-built wagon made by his grandfather, Doug “Flash” Gustafson.

DAYTON — Anyone who loves seeing antique tractors, classic cars and old engines will be right at home Saturday as the annual Old Engine Day comes to Dayton.

Held in downtown Dayton, Old Engine Day will feature a variety of items on display for anyone to come look at between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Dayton Community Club is putting on the event, according to club president John Skoglund.

Old Engine Day is looking to bring back memories of tractor shows that have been held in the past.

“Twenty years ago we had a really big tractor show,” Skoglund said. “They had a lot of tractors in town. We’re trying to revive that.”

But the show isn’t just about tractors. Classic cars, motorcycles, hot rods and old engines will also be on display.

“We had a good turnout last year,” Skoglund said. “It’s just a little bit of everything.”

The event will also feature a kids’ tractor pull.

“And they come in and they compete in a kiddy tractor pull,” he said. “And we have a raffle where we give away a pedal car and a pedal tractor. So it’s a good time Saturday from 11 to 2.”

Trophies will also be given away, according to Skoglund.

“We do a peoples’ choice trophy,” he said. “We’ll number the vehicles and the people can vote for their fan favorite. And we have a really nice trophy they win if they get chosen.”

Participants in Old Engine Day come from all over the country, not just Iowa.

And there is no admission fee.

“Everybody’s welcome,” Skoglund said.

Besides the show in downtown Dayton, Skoglund added that the Dayton Museum will be open as well.

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