I seriously look forward to the Baraboo, Wisconsin Badger Steam and Gas Engine Show every fall. For those of you that have never attended, it is the third weekend of August every year. The forecast called for showers on Saturday with the main bulk arriving on Friday night. The weather man wasn't fibbing! Those poor exhibitors and vendors saw some serious showers. Friday was very busy with spectators trying to beat the weekend precipitation. Mr. Hollow and I arrived at 8:30 am on Saturday morning hoping for a dry day... Well at least from the clouds that were passing over anyways.
We only endured two cloud bursts in the afternoon hours, but the grounds told the tale from the previous night. Those exhibitors and vendors stuck it out, and it was a wonderful day. Not too warm in the morning hours and delightfully cool after the cloud bursts. I was very happy that I packed a t-shirt and light jacket to change into; although, the book building offered t-shirts and tank tops for sale.
I was so happy to see the engines running. This gentlemen took the time to start and explain the function of his engine. It made me smile. The puff and toot reminded me of the contraption from Willy Wonka... Right down to a bit of water shooting from the pipe ! :)
Such a nice tribute to the ladies who went to work for the war effort. It always makes me smile to look at the photos and read the articles.
Can you imagine these huge machines still run flawlessly? I just love watching the smooth effortless power. It is a blessing that they have such a wonderful home and are shared for spectators to enjoy. At the other end of the building was a machine creating huge amounts of steam, I walked through the steam as I exited and probably took every wrinkle out of my clothes! LOL ;)
I know this photo is hard to see, but it is a sea of farm tractors. Can you believe the turn out? Even with rainy weather being forecasted. Simply fantastic!
While Mr. Hollow visited friends at the chainsaw competition, I took a few photos from my favorite spots. The printing presses are one of my favorites. The gentlemen there are so fun to be around and extremely knowledgeable. At this machine, the gentlemen was asking the kids which way the letters and arrow needed to go. They did really well and was amazed at the final product. :)
The guys demonstrating their blacksmithing skills were probable relieved by the cooler temps! I purchased a cross from this exhibit area a few years back. Quite a fascinating art!
The gentlemen one window over made this terrific bird. As he worked, he put wax from a candle all over it. I never got to hear the reason behind this. He set it in the vice to cool... all in a days work. That was pretty awesome!
Can you believe someone built this? Do you know what is more amazing? The little engine on the left makes all of the other little machines run. And let me say from seeing it with my own eyes, they ALL do run as working machines. That is some seriously crazy talent!
I have a fondness for the large engines. Looking at this photo, I can still feel the heat. Such power harnessed in iron... You can just feel it standing next to it.
I never tire of the big saw!
I am sorry to have not gotten photos from the Women's Center. Kind of odd really, since it is home to the lovely sewing machines that got me even more hooked on quilting. And let's not forget the spinners who are responsible for me taking the leap into that arena. Also to the chainsaw exhibitors, where Mr. Hollow spends his day while I run! ;) There are so many exhibits that I am so sorry for the various ones not shared. Those will be the ones I showcase next year... I gladly promise. :)
Before I forget, here are a few of the items that I picked up at the flea market: The brushes and pick will be great for a few projects looming in the distance. You all know I cannot pass up on some good fabric. (Actually I did, the lady had a ton... but I refrained!) Then I met a really nice lady who had this beautiful baby quilt of verses. (It is so soft and cuddly... Very well made and for 5 bucks!) Also over at the shingle making exhibit, they had some cedar wood pieces. These thin planks will be wonderful to put in with my wool bins to keep the insects at bay... plus, they just smell wonderful!
Here is a block from the quilt. Definitely perfect for me!
I spotted this vintage testor set. Isn't it odd what strikes my fancy? It is so cool. Mr. Hollow walked back and bought it for me. It will look great in my future studio next to my natural wool dye jars.
I also was lucky enough to get a half gallon of Maple syrup... Some really dark syrup this year. I forgot to pick up some cornmeal on the way home. Drat! But at least, it made the bacon this morning so much better. ;)
An enormous Thank-you for those wonderful souls that make this show possible! All of the exhibitors, vendors and behind the scene magic makers who take the time to make this weekend great for all of us spectators. You are truly the best!
No comments:
Post a Comment