Four years ago, the residents

of Inman, the small farm community south of Fayetteville, thought Rick

Minter's idea to host an antique tractor and engine show on his ancestral

land was pie-in-the-sky.

Who would come to look at pieces of farm machinery and revel in the history

of tiny Inman?

About 12,000 tractor buffs, men and women longing for a taste of the good

old days, and boys and girls who have never seen a real gristmill or blacksmith,

that's who.

Since Minter, his wife Joanne and daughter Stephanie put the wheels in

motion and pulled the community into their plans for "Inman Farm

Heritage Days," the event has grown in size and appeal.

Starting this Friday, the event opens for its fourth annual run, with

new attractions and old favorites. The show runs Friday, Saturday and

Sunday from 9 a.m. until dark. Admission is free and the friendly ambience

is priceless.

Visitors can ride on the hay wagon, view a tractor parade, watch a grist

mill in action and sample country cuisine like collard greens, barbecue

and corn bread prepared by the chefs of Inman United Methodist Church.

The Aultman Taylor steam traction

engine will once again rumble and smoke for antique engine enthusiasts

and the threshing machine will be in operation. There will also be some

new additions, like a cotton gin, provided by the Walls family of Cumming,

a syrup mill and pot, plus a rare 1920 Fordson pavement roller, owned

Minter, who splits his time between journalism and farming, originated

the weekend event to perpetuate the name of Inman and to keep its local

heritage alive. "There are so many old communities from our past

that seem to vanish into obscurity," Minter said. That's not likely

to happen in Inman, where tours are also available to school groups in

search of rural history.

On the Minter farm, home of Inman Heritage Days, is an authentic cabin

from Fayette County which was moved and reassembled log by log. Visitors

get a real sense of history touring the tiny house, which contains furnishings

of the day.

The show is presented by the Minters in conjunction with Georgia Chapter

29 I H Collectors, Georgia Antique Engine Club, North Georgia and West

Georgia Two-Cylinder Clubs and Inman United Methodist Church.

For additional information, phone 770-461-2840.

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