The 19th annual California Antique Farm Equipment Show (CAFES), produced by the International Agri-Center, showcased the agriculture industry’s heritage in mid April. The annual show is one of the largest of its kind on the West Coast and features more than 900 exhibitors and 6,000 antique equipment enthusiasts from throughout California and the United States.
“It was a tremendous success! We had a wide variety of featured tractors, had the best entertainment we’ve ever had, and the response from attendees was amazing,” said Doug Peltzer, chairman of this year’s California Antique Farm Equipment Show.
Peltzer is proud to say that antique farm equipment collectors traveled from across the United States to display their collections of antique tractors, engines and farm implements once used to cultivate the soil. Among the top attractions, and the oldest tractor at the show, was a 1907 Best steam crawler tractor from the Joseph A. Heidrick Sr. Foundation near Woodland, CA.
“The response we got from exhibitors was remarkable. We had folks coming from far away to display their tractors. To me, that’s what really makes the show a great success,” added Peltzer.
Aside from antique farm equipment, the show is also home to an annual rib cook off; a parade of 600 tractors; a swap meet; children’s activities; a concert featuring The Billy’s; cooking demonstrations; an antique auction and new for this year, a hay boom competition.