DENTON, N.C.- The largest steam engine, gas engine, and antique farm show in the Southeastern U.S. starts Friday in Denton.
Karen Miller's dad started the old Thresher's Reunion 46 years ago.
“The local rescue squad needed funds and he had an idea that he could bring his flying buddies in and raise money to give airplane rides and that's how it all started,” said Miller.
Now, thousands of antique tractors, cars and engines are put on display for people from all across the world.
“I think a lot of people are interested in farming and Americana and seeing how things used to be.”
For the last six years, James Barefoot has been bringing his two grandsons to the event.
“Most kids today if you see them they are sitting around with their fingers on a piece of electronic equipment doing nothing, but these kids right here they pretty much know how things grow; we raise chickens,” said Barefoot.
Organizers said engaging the younger generation is an important part of the event.
“Today we are down to farmers being 1 percent of the population and a lot of folks really don't understand how their food is grown and where it started and about a lot of the equipment this year,” said Tim Loflin, one of the organizers.
Loflin said this year the event is featuring Toy Frenzy; something that's sure to engage both the young and the old.
“This year Rick Murray got put into the National Toy Hall of Fame and he is the only one from North Carolina to do so,” said Loflin.
Admission is $15 for adults, $6 for kids ages 5 to 11 and those four and under are free.
The event goes through July 5th. More information on the event can be found on their website.