Volume XIV Issue I February 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR! It’s not often that we see dandelions blooming in January – this has been an unusual winter. Hopefully the mild weather will continue.
Christmas Party: The Annual Christmas party was well attended, and the auction brought in over $1,600 for the Association. Thanks to all who contributed auction items, or who purchased items. Auctioneer Tony Haan did an excellent job again this year – Thanks, Tony! Also, thanks to the Westfall family for the use of their building, and for all the work they do to get ready for the show. Thanks to the Tim Young family for providing the meat.
Website Updated: Check out our website at It’s been updated to include information for the 2012 show, and photos from the 2011 show.
2012 Show Updates & Planning: The change in days & in the week of the show last year was well-received, so that will continue. We are looking at changes in the location & arrangement of the flea market vendors to make them more accessible to visitors. Our entertainers this year will be the Kountry Kernels on Friday evening and local country musician Justin Paschal will close out the show on Saturday, August 4. We will also be working on upgrading some of the electrical outlets in the camping area to accommodate 30 amp service.
Spread the word: Take some of our 2012 show flyers to shows and swap meets this spring, and plan to post them at local stores and businesses as we get closer to the show. Stop by Westfall’s Garage to pick up a supply of flyers to distribute. This is a great way to get the word out about our show. Also, feel free to post the show dates and details on any websites that you use, or contact Peggy if you’d like us to post on a specific site.
2012Show Volunteer Opportunities: It’s never too early to think about helping out during the show. This year, we’ll need helpers at the main gate, as well as at Registration. We’ll also need help with set-up and tear down activities.
The Registration area will need volunteers from Wednesday through Saturday. Registration is located on the north end of the amphitheater building, under the overhang. In addition to registering exhibitors, these volunteers are also responsible for collecting membership dues, selling hats, T-shirts, and buttons. Cyrena Westfall will be coordinating that area. Workers for this area will be in the shade.
Workers will be needed at the main gate to direct exhibitors, collect ticket money, and give directions and information. Volunteers are needed Wednesday (to direct incoming exhibitors only), and on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdayfrom about 7:00 a.m. until the time that we determine to stop selling tickets. Workers will be outside during their shifts at the gate, and you’ll need to be on your feet most of the time. Please contact Tim Young for details.
Tractor drivers will be needed for the shuttles during the show. You need to be over 18 years of age and a licensed driver with your own tractor. We’ll also need riders on each shuttle wagon to make sure that guests get on and off safely. Kirk Young is coordinating drivers and riders.
Membership: TSGPA currently has 162 members, including 21 junior members & 66 lifetime members.
Upcoming events:
- Directors & Advisors Meeting – Meeting will be scheduled for April – watch for card!
- General Meeting – June or early July – Date to be determined.
- 2012 Show set-up dates – Monday, July 30 – Wednesday, August 1.
- Bean supper – Wednesday, August 1, 2012
- 2012 Show dates – Thursday, August 2 – Saturday, August 4.
2012 Feature: This year’s show will host the National Graham Bradley tractor show. We’ll also feature other lesser known tractor brands. All makes of gas engines are welcome. Please keep in mind that although we feature a specific manufacturer or type of equipment, there is plenty of room for all exhibits. Don’t hesitate to bring your exhibit just because we are featuring a different make!
TSGPA Show Date Reminder: For those of you who like to plan ahead, here are the show dates for the next five years.
Future Dates for Tippecanoe Steam & Gas Power Show
2012 - August 2, 3, 4
2013 - August 1, 2, 3
2014 - July 31, August 1, 2
2015 - July 30, 31, August 1
2016 – July 28, 29, 30
President’s Comments:
I hope this newsletter finds everyone in good health. It was good seeing the members at the Christmas party.
Tim