Five Fun Things to do in Michigan This Weekend 6/10 to 6/12/11

Here's this week's Five Fun Michigan Events!

1. Antique Tractor Show - Ravenna - 6/9 - 6/11/11. Admission is $5 with kids 12 and under free. Call (231) 853-2882 for more information.
2. Vicksburg Old Car Festival - 6/10 - 6/11/11. Live music, lots of classic cars, swap meet, and a gas & steam show are just a few of the fun attractions.
3. Free Fishing Weekend all across Michigan - 6/11 - 6/12/11. Check the website for events near you.
4. Free Music Fest - Freeland, Michigan. 6/11/11 10am to dusk.
5. Lilac Festival - Mackinac Island - 6/10 - 6/19/11. Celebrating all things Lilac!

Had a good time at the St. Joe Valley Engine Show

Over the weekend we visited the St. Joe Valley Old Engine Association Antique Tractor and Engine Show held on their show grounds at Boot Hill Ranch near Jones, Michigan. I grew up not far from Boot Hill Ranch and have fond memories of attending shows in my younger years. This year's show featured Case tractors as well as vintage Sears, Craftsman, and David Bradley garden tractors. They had an obstacle course set up for the garden tractors, a threshing demonstration, steam powered sawmill, and some great food.

Speaking of the sawmill - here is a brief clip of it in action. I didn't have my tripod with me so it wasn't the steadiest of videos.

I don't know what their attendance figures were, but we had to park quite a ways from the gate and it seemed to be well attended. One thing I've noticed this summer at different festivals and events in Michigan is that they seem to be better attended than in recent years. I wonder if high gas prices are encouraging folks to stick closer to home.