(Shelby, Iowa) – Iowa farm history will be showcased September 6 and 7 at Carstens Farm during the 43rd Annual Carstens Farm Days. This year John Deere tractors and equipment. The farm show has long highlighted historic farm operations. Historic threshing machines and sawmill operations as well as all makes and models of tractors bring back many memories for visitors. A wide variety of crafters and vendors and a lovely quilt show offer other visitors a chance to stroll around and enjoy being on a farm. The Farm Days show has something for everyone throughout the weekend.

Come see steam engines powering antique threshing machines, antique cars, trucks and machinery, a parade, crafts, and entertainment. Over two hundred restored antique tractors will be on display. The original Carstens farm buildings will be open for tours. The buildings will be alive with demonstrations that will bring back memories for older visitors and teach valuable history lessons to young people.

Fresh hamburgers, chips, nachos sides pies and more will be available throughout the weekend.

Make Plans for dinner September 5 and 6 at the farm. A pork supper, including a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans and coleslaw, will be prepared by Farm Days food services provider, Leonard’s Lunchbox of Avoca, on Friday, September 5. The meal will be served 5:30 to 7 pm. Cost is just $12.

Staley’s Chicken dinner will be held on Saturday, September 6 from 5:30 to 7 pm. A delicious meal with dessert will cap off a terrific day. Dinner proceeds will go toward on-going maintenance at Carstens 1880 Farmstead. There will be a cashless option to pay for the Staley’s dinner.

Homemade ice cream will be in plentiful supply during Farm Days. B & N’s Homemade Ice Cream from Treynor will be a treat you won’t want to miss. Root beer floats will also be served.

John Deere equipment of all types will be featured during Farm Days. John Deere tractor and implement owners are invited to bring their exhibits to display throughout the weekend.

Horsepower-testing, sawmill operations and field demonstrations will occupy tractor exhibitors all day. Over 250 pieces of vintage equipment were on display during the 2024 Farm Days show. Visitors will enjoy watching the restored tractors as they go through the parade each afternoon at 2 p.m.

A colorful display of quilts, wall hangings, wearable art and other types of quilting projects will be featured in the special event building at the farm. A raffle for a handmade quilt will happen on Sunday evening. Tickets will be sold throughout the weekend. Many talented quilters from around the area will allow their works of art to be displayed for all to enjoy. Even if you have never displayed a quilt before, consider joining the fun and bringing a quilt to display. Exhibitors are asked to deliver their quilts on Friday, September 5. For details about the quilt show or to inquire about adding your quilt to the collection, please call Kristina Larsen at 402-637-8880.

In case visitors run out of vintage tractors and other pieces of equipment to look at, there will be over fifty crafters and vendors on hand. A wide array of crafts, plants, vintage and antique items will be available. From unique, antique toys to honey from local beekeepers, there will be something for everyone.

A very healthy crop of farm-grown potatoes will also be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale of potatoes will help make improvements to the farmstead.

Four handmade miniature barns will be auctioned on Saturday afternoon at 3 pm, immediately following the parade. The barns are each unique and would be a great addition to a child’s playroom or as a display piece in a man cave or she shed. Don’t miss your chance to buy one of these unique barns. Proceeds from the auction will be used for on-going operations at the farm.

On Sunday morning a non-denominational worship service will take place at 9:00 a.m. on the lawn in front of the Carstens home. Worship will be led by the Shelby United Methodist Church. Everyone is welcome to join in the worship service.

Admission is $10 per day for everyone nine years and older. This year cashless payment will be available at the gate.

Carstens 1880 Farmstead, Inc., located at 32409, 380th St, Shelby, IA 51570, is a non-profit group of volunteers, overseeing a 75-acre working farm museum located between Minden and Shelby, Iowa in Pottawattamie County. The farmstead is the home of Carstens Farm Days, which is held the first weekend after Labor Day each September. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information visit the web site: www.carstensfarm.com