July 10, 2010 11:00am - July 11, 2010 4:00pm
Schoharie Crossing Visitor Center, 129 Schoharie St, Ft Hunter

For more information please contact:
518-829-7516
Tricia.Shaw@oprhp.state.ny.us | www.nysparks.com

The Tri-County Power Association will hold its annual "Field Days" event in the fields adjacent to the Schoharie Crossing Visitor Center and the original 1825 Erie Canal on the weekend of July 10 and 11. Old time farm equipment and tractors will be on display. Stewart's ice cream will also be for sale. T-shirts, hats, pins and other souvenirs are also available for purchase.

Formed in 1978, the Tri-County Power Association is based in Montgomery County and has a membership of about 75 people. This non-profit organization educates the public about old farm equipment and tractors such as corn grinders, water pumps, and washing machines from the turn of the century (Circa 1900). Some of the equipment has passed from generation to generation. Other members purchase the old equipment and restore them for display. Don Bernaski, president of the Tri- County Power Association, said that "the items are getting harder to find. Most of the old pieces have been picked up or gone to the junkyard." Farmers around Montgomery County, including the Amish, are always interested to see how the old engines work.

When Schoharie Crossing's Canal Days event started in 1984, Tri-County Power Association was invited to join in the festivities. They have been a part of Canal Days ever since. It started with only three or four members setting up along the bank of the Schoharie Creek but every year the "Field Days" event has gotten bigger. Now nearly every member of the organization comes and sets up a display. Some people come from as far away as Pennsylvania. Bernaski said "it's nice to get around and see people. It's a good hobby to have."

In addition to Tri-County Power Association's "Field Days" event, Schoharie Crossing will be offering guided walking tours along the Erie Canal. Saturday and Sunday at Noon, the walking tours will be "Erie Canal Basics 101," with a focus on Schoharie Crossing's multiple locks and other canal structures, lasting about one hour. At 3 pm on Saturday, the walking tour will highlight the Schoharie Aqueduct, lasting only a half hour. At Sunday at 3 pm, the tour will examine canal economics in the hamlet of Fort Hunter. The fee for the walking tours are $3.00 for adults, $2.00 seniors, and $1.00 for children under 16.

Schoharie Crossing will also be having its annual sidewalk sale with all items in the gift shop 10% off. Many items will be discounted at 25% to 50% off.

Other Canal Days events will be limited at the Schoharie Crossing venue; however, the events at the Fort Hunter Firehouse will continue as usual. These include live music, vendors, and a car show.