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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Antique Trucks & Tractor Meet at Owls Head - July 23rd & 24th, 2011

Antique Trucks & Tractor Meet at Owls Head
By: Staff
 
ROCKLAND, ME - It's all about big, bigger and biggest. People who love antique trucks of all shapes and sizes will not want to miss the Owls Head Transportation Museum's Antique Truck & Tractor and Aeroplane Show on Saturday and Sunday July 23 & 24.  Also featured will be commercial and military vehicles, as well as vintage earth-moving construction equipment.  

More than 250 antique trucks and tractors from all over New England are expected for the event, including members of the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society and Maine Antique Tractor Club.  Anyone with a pre-1990 truck or tractor may exhibit free of charge.

“The Truck & Tractor Meet is always a crowd-pleaser,” says Museum Director Charles Chiarchiaro. “Whether it's a large 18-wheeler or an antique pick-up truck, these vehicles always put smiles on people's faces.

Tractors will be a featured attraction Saturday and Sunday during an antique tractor parade. Everything from vintage lawn mowers to farm tractors are invited to make a tour around the Museum's tarmac.

The Museum is also inviting owners of military vehicles and commercial vehicles to be part of the event. This show traditionally draws some unique commercial vehicles as well, including vintage fire trucks, ambulances and delivery vans.

Members of the Maine Antique Power Association have also been invited to display and demonstrate their engines during the 2-day event.

The local bluegrass band The Katahdin Valley Boys will perform each day in the Museum's open-air pavilion. Times will be available on the Museum's website (or by calling the Museum) prior to the event.

Owners of pre-1991 vehicles - of any make or model - are also welcome to exhibit at this and all other Museum (non-auction) events at no charge. Visitors are encouraged to come early to guarantee seeing the highest concentration of exhibiting vehicles.

Vote for your favorite truck or tractor. All attendees will have the opportunity to cast a ballot for either the People's Choice awards.

At each event the Museum sets aside an area for Junior Exhibitors to display their “wheels” (i.e. bicycles, tricycles, etc.) near its popular "Kids Corral" pedal car area. The Museum offers free admission for all children under 18.

This year the Museum has opened its annual Saturday night Truck Meet Dinner to the general public. Included in the evening's festivities will be a country buffet and live traditional bluegrass music with the The Katahdin Valley Boys. The fun begins at 5 pm. Tickets are $25 each and include both the dinner and entertainment.

As part of the day's activities the Museum will actively demonstrate a few of its turn-of-the-century automobiles as well as give free rides in Ford Model Ts. Special children's activities-including our popular Styrofoam airplane-building workshop-and Museum tours are planned. Young children can practice their driving skills in the Kids Corral area, which features pedal cars and pedal planes. There will be plenty of fun for the whole family..

The antique aeroplane show will begin at 9:30 a.m., weather permitting. Aircraft conservator Karl Erickson and a team of volunteers have been working tirelessly on getting the Museum's fleet of of World War I-era biplanes ready to take to the skies.  Back on the flight line will be the 1917 Curtiss JN-4 or "Jenny" made popular by barnstormers of the 1920s. Also seeing action will be the 1917 Nieuport 28C.1, 1916 Sopwith Pup and of course, the 1917 Fokker DR.I triplane (aka the Red Baron) among others. An open flightline will allow visitors to get an up close look at the planes as well as talk to the pilots.

Coastal biplane rides aboard the Museum's 1941 Stearman and 1933 Waco biplanes may be purchased at any time through the Museum store. Biplane ride packages include a museum membership. Ride certificates do not expire and are transferable. The Stearman carries one passenger. The price is $200 and includes an Individual membership. The Waco carries two passengers and costs $350 which includes a Dual membership. Already a member? Members pay a discounted price of $160 and $300 respectively.

Rain or shine, visitors will have access to the Museum's indoor collection of dozens of  antique cars and pioneer aeroplanes. The Museum will showcase its newest exhibit, “MGs & Microcars-Small, Practical and Elegant” featuring rare and classic examples from the 1920s through the 1950s.

Event admission is $12 for adults. Children under 18 are free. The Museum's newly expanded Museum Store will be open showcasing a large inventory of books, diecast models, children's items and more.

Gates open at 9:30 am. Food and refreshments will be available at the Squeaky Wheel. Pets are not allowed in the Museum or outdoor exhibit area.

Owls Head Transportation Museum is located at 117 Museum Street (off Rt. 73) in Owls Head, two miles south of Rockland, Maine. For more information call 207-594-4418 or visit www.owlshead.org.

Please come out for this great event at the Owls Head Transportation Museum on Rt. 73 in Owls Head, Maine. 

Rocky Coast News
Rockland, ME 04841

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