The temperature may have been cold and the snow may have been blowing off of the fields, but that didn’t stop families from learning about agricultural history.
The Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum held its second annual “Family Fun Day” on Family Day, with a steady stream of people of all ages coming in. Monday’s event featured tours and children’s activities though wagon rides were called off due to the drop in temperatures.
Steam and Gas Engine Museum president Gary Struhar handled many of the tours and said there were over 35 people that stopped by.
“We’ve had quite a few people go on the tours,” he said.
While pleased with the amount of people that did come, he believed it could have been more if it weren’t for the weather.
“It was a deterrent,” said Struhar of the cold weather.
The children’s activities helped keep the little ones happy and occupied. There were three tables with children and their parents and grandparents busy with activities.
“If the kids are happy, mom and pop are happy,” Struhar joked.
The antique farm equipment was the big attraction, with some tractors and machinery dating back over 100 years. Two buildings filled with equipment were visited by people from Amherstburg, Essex and beyond.
Roughly ten volunteers from the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum were out to help, Struhar added.
Tim Hortons stepped up with donations of coffee and hot chocolate with other community donors also chipping in.
“It helps out,” he stated.
Hot dogs, chips and pop were also available at no charge to the public.
“It’s all free,” said Struhar. “Everything is all donated.”
Upcoming events can be viewed on the museum’s website at www.essexcountysteamandgasengine.com or though their social media channels. Their biggest event is their annual show, which will be back on the museum’s grounds at Co-An Park in McGregor Aug. 8-10.
As for the “Family Fun Day,” Struhar said people can expect its return on Family Day in 2026.
“It’s something to do on Family Day,” he said. “We’ll have another one next year.”
“Family Fun Day” gives look back at farming history
By Ron Giofu
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