For Floyd Harriger and other members of the Nebraska Antique Power Association, John C. Fremont Days is a chance for them to get the biggest audience.
Harriger, who is president of the group, said they own and display antique tractors, antique gas engines and items related to them.
“Some of them are fully restored. Some are just polished up. Some are fully working. We have a good cross section,” he said.
But these old gasoline-powered engines aren't ones found in antique cars and trucks.
“A lot of these were used to power old washing machines, feed grinders, all sorts of stuff,” he continued. “Like any antiques, most of these things are long gone from everyday use. Most of these gas engines were used to power items before electricity came to the farms. Of course, the tractors were used to raise crops that feed the world.”
The nearly 20-year-old organization with members mostly in Dodge County and surrounding counties display their antique collections at county fairs and other events, but
Harriger said John C. Fremont Days, by far, gets the group its biggest crowds.
The 21st annual festival begins Friday with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m.
The displays have a dual purpose.
“A lot of the older people were around when we had to start an engine like some of these to wash our clothes in an old wash house,” he said. “A lot of the younger people can't fathom how that could possibly be. It's an education for younger people and a nostalgia trip for the older people.”
Members of the Nebraska Antique Power Association will be setting up on the west edge of John C. Fremont City Park along Broad Street this weekend, he said.
“We have a nice area in the park,” he said. “We enjoy doing this because we have so many people coming by. It's our biggest crowd. We'll be setting up on Friday and we'll take it down on Sunday. We usually get everything home Sunday night.
“Some in our group come from quite a way - as far as 50 miles. That doesn't sound like far, but some of this equipment is heavy. It's a labor intensive job. It's hard work.”
Historic displays like this are the backbone of John C. Fremont Days, said the festival's executive director, Jeff Hoffman.
“These are the center point since John C. Fremont Days is set up to be a historic festival,” Hoffman said. “Historic displays and presentations are the things we focus our attention on and schedule everything else around.”
But Hoffman said the historic displays and presentations aren't the only things to experience in this festival.
“As the festival has grown, we've added other events that aren't historical in nature that appeal to the crowds that come,” he said.
Other historical displays and presentations this year include train songs and tales of the western rails by David Seay, living history encampments with military and frontier re-enactors, square dancing, antique and collectors show, Heartland auto show, historic interpretation on Custer by Marla Matkin, Pathfinder Wood Carvers, rides on the Fremont and Elkhorn Valley Railroad, wild west show and a mock debate between 1856 presidential contenders James Buchanan and Gen. John C. Fremont.
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