For those who love old iron and for those who enjoy seeing the sights and sounds of a simpler era, Inman Farm Heritage Days is the place to be on the third weekend of September each year.
This year’s 27th annual Inman Days kicks off on Sept. 20 and runs through Sept. 22 at Minter’s Farm in the south Fayette County community of Inman.
As always, the event is free to attend, but visitors are encouraged to purchase souvenir programs and t-shirts as the proceeds from those go to support the show and the 501c3 corporation that hosts it.
As it has been for the past 26 shows, antique tractors and farm equipment are the focus for many. There will be tractors, some of them 90 to 100 years old. Many are restored to like new, while others show what is described as “patinaed” to some but others call “rust and dust.”
Many of the tractors on display at Inman are the actual machines that the Greatest Generation used as they were transitioning from mule- and horse-powered to gas- and diesel-powered tractors.
Some are still owned by the families of the original owners and others have unique histories as well.
Coweta County collectors always have been a big part of Inman Farm Heritage Days, and this year that’s especially true. The souvenir program features articles about John Bidne and Bob and Scott Tinsley from Senoia, Dave Davis from Newnan and Glen Roberts, also from Senoia.
All are long-time participants in the show, and Roberts, along with his son Jason Roberts and other members of his family work tirelessly in the days and weeks leading up to the show to prepare the grounds and add new exhibits.
Roberts has restored two Model T Fords that will be on display, and his extensive collection of antique tractors and equipment includes an operating pea thresher that he runs during the show.
There also will be nice displays of antique trucks and cars, but there’s much more to Inman Farm Heritage Days.
There are demonstrations of old grist mills, planning mills, a shingle mill, sawmill, syrup mill, liquor still, engine shop, machine shop, blacksmithing, threshing, letterpress printing, broom making, antique dolls and more.
New this year are a Native American display complete with an 18-foot-wide teepee and a well shelter where visitors can experience drawing water with a rope and bucket.
Numerous vendors will be selling food, antiques and arts and crafts, and there’s a walking trail through the woods with signage explaining the sights along the way.
“There’s something here for everyone young and old,” said Stephanie Minter Adamek, who hosts the show along with a dedicated group of volunteers and her parents, show founders Rick and Joanne Minter.
Adamek said. “We’re here to celebrate the history and heritage of our area, but we try to do it in an enjoyable way.”
Adamek also said that even though many of the participants in the early days of the show are no longer around, a new group of enthusiasts has stepped up to fill the void.
Some are retirees, while others are much younger.
“I’m amazed that my dad has friends younger than me helping him restore tractors,” she said. “That keeps us all feeling young and enthusiastic about the show.”
To learn more about the show and how it comes about, check out Inman Farm Heritage Days on Facebook and YouTube.
And if you need more information, call 770-461-2840.
