Old-fashioned fest in Paulding

9/17/2004
The horsepull competition at last year's Paulding County Flat Rock Creek Fall Festival Gas and Steam Show.
The horsepull competition at last year's Paulding County Flat Rock Creek Fall Festival Gas and Steam Show.

An old-fashioned country celebration of fall takes place today, tomorrow, and Sunday at the Paulding County Fairgrounds, featuring antique gas and steam engines, broom making, blacksmithing, apple butter, tractor and horse pulls, a flea market, barn dance, and more.

"It's a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, and there's something going on for all ages at all times," said Patty Vance, co-director of the Paulding County Flat Rock Creek Fall Festival Gas and Steam Show.

This is the 13th year for the family-oriented event, which last year drew about 22,000 people over three days.

Opening-day events today include music by the Hurdy Gurdy Band starting at 10 a.m., tractor pulls at 6 p.m., a polka and square dance featuring the Party Time Band at 7 p.m., and 1950s and '60s music by Spike and the Bulldogs at 8:30 p.m.

Highlights tomorrow include dulcimer music throughout the day by the Wesley Linenkugal Band, antique tractor pull at 10 a.m., Ohio Bicentennial bell auction at 5 p.m., oldies tunes by the Fabulous Five at 7 p.m., and a barn dance with Rollie's Boys at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, a vintage and classic truck show starts at 9 a.m. At noon, some of the top draft horses in the world will compete in the World Championship 3,300 lb. Lightweight Horsepull Spectacular.

Throughout the three days there will be plenty of food, along with such events as draft horse hitch rides, high-wheel bicycles, professional carving, pottery making, antiques and crafts, and fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica music.

"It's just a fun time," Vance said.

The Paulding County Flat Rock Creek Fall Festival Gas and Steam Show takes place from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. tomorrow, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Paulding County Fairgrounds, located off State Rt. 127 northwest of Paulding. Admission is $3 for one day, $7 for a three-day pass, and free for children 12 and under. Parking is free. Information: 419-399-4453.