Among all the unique events around the Region, few exhibit as much passion and pride in America and its workers as the Winamac Power from the Past “Power Weekend.” Hosted every summer, the Power Weekend sees history, agriculture, food, fun, and a lot of local pride come together for an unforgettable weekend.
The main event of the Power Weekend, which begins with a preview night on July 18, sees Northern Indiana Power from the Past gather at Winamac Town Park in Pulaski County for their annual summer show. Power from the Past is a club for collectors of antique farm machinery and any other form of machinery utilized in the growth of the United States. Admission to the show is only $3, and children 12 and younger can visit for free when accompanied by an adult.
The show is more than a simple antique display. Many of the machines will be put to work in live demonstrations. Saw mills, corn shredders, steam engines, antique tractors, and more will all roar to life and showcase how Americans in the past built the foundations for what he have today. The festivities will take place at the town park, a scenic location wrapped by the Tippecanoe River.
One of the more unique attractions this year will be the Weed Whacker Pulling Association’s exhibition. These creative people build miniature trucks and tractors out of chainsaw engines It is something like an RC race, but with a lot more power.
The history and machinery in action are traditionally the main draws of the event, but almost 150 vendors will set up shop, offering food, tools, toys, books, and more. Musicians like Greg Saunders, the Whippersnappers, and the Eel River Band are scheduled to appear. According to Chris Smith, one of the founders of the show, many people come to the park simply for the shopping, food, and music.
People come from all across the country to see the Power Show, and Winamac responded by turning the weekend into a town-wide party. Aside from the Power Show, town-wide garage sales, a farmers market, and various other local happenings will unfold.
Tippy’s Pizza & Beer is jumping into the festivities by hosting their annual street party. On July 21 from 4 p.m.midnight, they will offer food, a beer garden, entertainment, and family-friendly games including live music by the band Nawty. People are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superhero, and proceeds from the event will be donated to Music for Relief’s One More Light Fund, which provides solar electricity kits to health clinics in remote areas without electricity.
For more information about the Winamac Power Show, visit www.winamacpowershow.com. To learn more about Pulaski County, including their over 10,000 acres of parkland and full calendar of events, go to pulaskionline.org.
