Engadine will be bustling with activity during the weekend of August 7-9 as residents and visitors gather for the annual Old Iron Show and a variety of events hosted by the Engadine Historical Society.
The weekend begins Friday, August 7, with the start of the Old Iron Show. Festivities include a tractor ride beginning at 2 p.m., followed by a fish fry at the Engadine American Legion.
Saturday offers a full slate of family-friendly activities, including breakfast at the American Legion, a parade, craft show, antique fire trucks, pizza and a traditional corn roast.
One of the weekend’s featured events will be the Engadine Historical Society’s annual Strawberry Social, held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Engadine American Legion Post 290.
Guests can enjoy homemade shortcake topped with fresh strawberries, ice cream and whipped cream — or create their own favorite combination. The event offers a chance to relax, visit with friends and neighbors, and enjoy a summertime tradition.
Live music will begin at noon, and a silent auction will be held throughout the event. Proceeds from both the Strawberry Social and silent auction will benefit the Engadine Historical Society and its ongoing preservation efforts.
The weekend concludes Sunday, August 9, with the Engadine Historical Society’s popular Barn Tour, highlighting some of the area’s historic farm structures.
Many of the barns in the Engadine area feature classic gambrel roofs and drive-through bays, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage. During the tour, participants will learn the history of several local barns while seeing firsthand the unique timber-frame beam joints used in their construction, as well as later modifications that allowed the buildings to adapt to changing farming practices. Some of the featured barns have also been carefully restored to preserve their historic character and original purpose.
Participants will meet at the Garfield Township Hall in Engadine before boarding a bus for the guided tour. The bus will depart promptly at 2 p.m., so attendees are encouraged to arrive early. The tour is expected to return around 5:30 p.m.
Following the tour, the Engadine Methodist Women will serve a meal beginning at 5:45 p.m. A suggested donation of $20 per person includes dinner, a Barn Tour button and a commemorative barn directory booklet.
Additional exhibits will feature antique tools once used in barn construction, a display illustrating the rafter construction of a local barn, and a photography exhibit by Jason Greenwood Photography showcasing area barns.
The evening will also include a storytelling program featuring individuals who helped build many of the area’s barns, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts and ask questions about traditional barn construction.
You will have an opportunity to have your questions answered by people who were part of area barn building. Reserve your seat for the tour by emailing engadinehistorical@gmail.com or mailing your reservation to Engadine Historical Society, PO Box 114, Engadine, MI 49827 by August 1.
