14th Annual Farm Heritage Festival slated for Aug. 28

East Jordan Church offers old time farming demonstrations

STERLING — If you like to see old-time farming machinery in action, mark Saturday, Aug. 28 on your calendar. That’s when the 14th annual Farm Heritage Festival of East Jordan Church, 22027 Polo Rd, Sterling, will be held.

And admission and parking for the event is free.

The day will start with a good ol’ fashioned farm breakfast consisting of scrambled eggs, pancakes and biscuits/gravy from 7 am to 9 a.m. Tickets for breakfast are $10 for adults, $ 5 for youth to age 13, under age 5 receive free breakfast.

Breakfast tickets are available from church members before the event or at the door.

Active farm machine demonstrations will begin around 9 a.m. and will occur periodically until 3:30 p.m. There will be static displays all day.

This year’s active displays will feature a threshing machine, a stationary baler, wagon lifts and elevators, an ensilage cutter, a corn husker/shredder and tractor operations.

A blacksmith will be demonstrating some tool making and craft. There will also be an activity center for kids, youth and adults to try their hand at powering hand cranked items such as corn sheller or a rope maker.

New this year is a bounce house for children along with a farm animal zoo that will again feature dairy cows, sheep, goats and more.

“This is definitely a fun zone for children, youth, and adults of all ages. Again, admission to the show is free!,” said Show Administrator Steve Venhuizen.

A lunch stand will operate from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. featuring sandwiches, baked beans, salads, chips and desserts. Proceeds from the lunch benefits various missions and functions of the East Jordan Church.

“We try to bring new items each year. This year we plan to have a mechanical bull riding exhibit that people can try! There are always a lot of activities for youth and children,” Venhuizen said.

Another exciting addition this year was born from COVID-19 challenges. During 2020, the congregation had been meeting outside under trees and on the lawn for worship when East Jordan congregants decided to build a pavilion.

“We had talked about adding an outdoor facility- covered room and open air sides for outdoor worship and other events. So we got together as a church in 2020 and built it! It is perfect for the Farm Heritage Festival, please check it out in August,” said building coordinator, Kevin Deets.

The festival honors the Christian family farming history common in the Midwest while offering live demonstrations of older farm machinery and agricultural practices from years ago.

The community surrounding East Jordan Church helps make the event successful.

“We are always looking for anyone with antique farm equipment who would like to display or run at our show,” said Venhuizen.

For more information, contact Venhuizen at 815-946-2513.