(Shelby) Iowa farm history will be on full display September 6 and 7 as the 43rd Annual Carstens Farm Days returns to the Carstens 1880 Farmstead near Shelby.
Terry Torneten said Carstens 1880 Farmstead, Inc., a nonprofit volunteer organization, maintains the 75-acre working farm museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This year’s featured exhibits will highlight John Deere tractors and equipment, joining a wide variety of historic farming demonstrations, crafts, food, and family-friendly activities. The two-day event showcases farm operations of the past, including threshing machines, sawmill demonstrations, horse-drawn equipment, and more than 200 restored antique tractors. Each afternoon at 2 p.m., the tractors will parade across the farmstead grounds.
The original Carstens farm buildings will also be open for tours, with live demonstrations that connect younger visitors with Iowa’s agricultural roots while bringing back memories for longtime farmers.
Plenty of food will be served throughout the weekend, from hamburgers and pies to homemade ice cream and root beer floats.
Proceeds from the meals Friday and Saturday evening support ongoing maintenance and improvements at the historic farmstead.
Torneten said they have two other special fundraisers this year…
More than 50 crafters and vendors will also be on hand, offering everything from honey and plants to antiques and handmade items.
A non-denominational worship service, led by the Shelby United Methodist Church, will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday on the lawn in front of the Carstens home. All are welcome to attend.
Admission to Carstens Farm Days is $10 per person, per day, for ages nine and older. Cashless payment will be available at the gate.
The farmstead is located at 32409 380th St., Shelby.
More information can be found at www.carstensfarm.com.
Entertainment, including the Foggy Mountain Cloggers, will be part of Farm Days
Harvey Ferris speaks at a recent Farm Days planning meeting
