7685 County Route 13 Bath, New York 14810-7904
Just a few miles south of Watkins Glen, New York, on State Route
14 in Millport, New York, at Frank Johnson’s place the annual
Muscular Dystrophy Benefit Engine show takes place over July Fourth
weekend. Last year the dates were July 1,2,3,2000.
Frank, his family, and friends organized the first benefit
engine show at another location in 1993, as a way of giving back to
the community. They chose MD and ‘Jerry’s Kids’ as
beneficiaries to receive any money they raise. Louise Palmer,
Frank’s sister, took charge of the food concession. The first
show was a success and all the shows since have been
successful.
This informal group chose the July Fourth holiday for the 1996
show. July Fourth holiday has been the date ever since. The
participants include collectors of engines, tractors, trucks, cars,
models, toys, tools, antique equipment, flea market folks, and the
‘Crickside Bluegrass Musicians,’ as well as the volunteer
workers. The 2000 benefit had about 200 exhibitors and campers.
Activities include a kiddie tractor pull, for fun only tractor
pull, tractor and equipment parades, sawing lumber, shingle making
on a 100 year old Ireland shingle machine, auction, chicken
barbecue, bluegrass music in the evening, gospels and hymns at
Sunday morning worship service, and good food available at all
times.
Henry Offer mann making shingles with an A. B. Ireland shingle
machine.
Norm Westervelt’s 1937 Silver King providing power for the
shingle machine.
The 2000 show raised about $3,000 for Muscular Dystrophy from
donations, auction, food sales, 50/50 drawings, and raffles. There
is a pleasant creek at the rear of the show grounds, off road
parking, lots of space for exhibits and demonstrations. Please stop
by and join us on June 29, 30, and July 1, 2001.
For additional information call Frank Johnson at
607-535-2261.
