25th annual Wind River Flywheelers Antique Tractor & Engine Show in June

SHOSHONI, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) -

Have you ever tried steamed corn made from an antique steam engine? There’s not many opportunities for that kind of snack, especially in Wyoming, until now.

The 25th Annual Wind River Flywheelers Antique Tractor and Engine Show is in June, and you’ll be able to try this rare snack, there. Wind River Flywheelers Secretary Carlta Witthar added, “It’s the best corn you’re going to get, because that steam just keeps all the sweetness in.” Not only is the tractor club hoping to show off the steam engine, but all the restored pieces of history. However, that’s not the only purpose of the event, it’s also an educational opportunity for kids.

Witthar described some chances young people will have to learn some history at the event. She explained, “One fellow who takes the corn, he’s got a corn sheller and they see how that works, and a pump, (they learn) how you get the water out of the ground, so it’s a lot of learning for the kids.”

The tractor show is in conjunction with Shoshoni Days, with everything from a turkey shoot and poker run to kids activities planned, like a barrel train and pedal tractors. David Stark,the President of the Wind River Flywheelers said the antique show probably has nothing newer than 20 years old, with most of the tractors made in the 40′s through the 60′s. He’s looking forward to young people seeing the history of these machines.

Stark said he hopes “just to get them to see how the farming days were back in the day. We don’t have a lot of implements there, but the tractors are there, that’s the thing that pulled all the implements, and let the younger generations see the difference between modern tractors and the older tractors.”

Witthar emphasized, “We are really happy to see the kids come out and see what things were like, and to go home enjoying that, and to be ready and wanting to come the next year.

To the club’s knowledge, they own the only running steam engine in Wyoming, and it was built in 1913. This unique piece of farming history is now owned by the Wind River Flywheelers club. It has made an appearance in some Fremont County parades, but there was a leak in the boiler, and the quoted repairs were very costly.

That’s when the Wasatch Railcar Repair facility stepped in and was able to quote a reasonable price. However, not just anyone can drive an engine like this, it takes special training to be the conductor of this rare piece.

Wind River Flywheelers Safety Officer Dave Witthar stated, “I had to go through a test to get my certification to run these engines. Six of us got together and put the money up and brought this engine back into Wyoming, and she’s not going to leave.” The steam engine will be in action at Shoshoni Days June 12 and the 13th.

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