The Atchelitz Threshermen's Association will be hosting their annual Vintage Engine Show at Heritage Park on Saturday May 21 through Sunday May 22.
The event has been happening in Chilliwack for the last 25 years, and gives the residents of Chilliwack a chance to see how farm machinery from the past might have worked. Some machinery on display will include elevator motors, water pumps, drag saws and a mini thresher.
The Threshermen's Association consists of roughly 120 members, who work to rebuild and restore antique engines.
"We're trying to keep the Fraser Valley heritage alive," says Threshermen's Association member, Casey van Dorpel.
It's about preserving the agricultural history of the Valley, he says of the work done by the association.
The oldest engine on display is dated as somewhere between 1896 and 1906, according to van Dorpel.
Most of the engines are local too, he says, "a bunch of farmers had a bunch of stuff they didn't know what to do with... most [machines] are scrapped because for a six horse power engine, the thing probably weights up to 1,300 pounds."
"You don't put that in your lawn mower," he laughs.
The engine show will have up to 20 functioning stationary displays of tractors and machinery, and a crowd pleasing mini threshing machine demonstration.
"We've got the grain waiting and everything, but if it's pouring rain of course you can't put it through the machine because it clogs it up... so hopefully the weather will be good and we can do it again this year," says van Dorpel.
The event runs rain or shine.
And if engines aren't enough, the Atchelitz museum will be open for visitors to see antique horse saddles and hand tools, as well as kitchen items such as stoves and ovens used by farmers and their wives throughout the 1940s, 30s and 20s. The school and chapel will be open too.
Granma's Grill will be offering homestyle cooking from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with previous menu items such as hamburgers, beef dips, hot dogs, perogies and more.
Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and admission is by donation. For more information, visit www.atchelitz.com.