FOOTHILLS ANTIQUE POWER ASSOCIATION OF NC
The Foothills Antique Power Association of North Carolina is a non-profit organization dedicated to Preserving the Past for the Future. We do so through the collection, restoration, and demonstration of antique farm machinery, as well as autos, trucks, motorcycles, chainsaws, and stationary
engines, and many other types of equipment whether hand-powered or horse-powered. Our members each endeavor to preserve these remembrances of the past, restoring and demonstrating them.
Our Annual Antique Power Show held the third weekend in May at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds in Newton N.C, Our primary venue for displaying and demonstrating our antique equipment.
At this show, we have more than tractors on display. We have a Lawn Mower Pull on Friday evening, a Pedal Tractor Pull on Saturday morning, and an Antique Tractor Pull on Saturday afternoon and evening. Demonstrations of equipment such as threshers, steam engines, shingle mills, grist mills, blacksmithing, and many others can be enjoyed throughout the day. Plenty of good food can be had all weekend long, but no alcohol is permitted. Camping hook-ups are also available for a $40.00 fee. (for entire weekend)
Besides the annual Antique Power Show, an annual Fall Show and Swap Meet is held on the third Saturday in October at the same fairgrounds as the Antique Power Show. This show, while very similar to our may show, is focused more on the Buying, Selling and trading of antique tractors, engines, parts, and other various collectables. During this event our General Store, Sawmill, and Blacksmith shop is NOT in operation.
Foothills Antique Power Association also plays a very big part in the Hickory American legion Fair during Labor Day Weekend. During fair week you can expect to see Heritage Village filled with tractors, and engines. Also in the village we will have the general store open, along with the Sawmill and Blacksmith shop in operation. The Catawba Valley Bee Keepers also join us in the bee shed below the general store.
Our members also participate in various parades, festivals, and shows throughout our local area. One of these events is the annual Murray’s Mill Fall Festival in October hosted by the Catawba County Historical Association. By way of all of these events we endeavor to give the younger generations a view of how we came to be where they are. We also provide an opportunity for those of the older generations to reminisce of days past.
Of course, we cannot do what we do alone. We have many wonderful sponsors who help us accomplish our task each year. With their help and with the funds we collect during our annual show from gate receipts, and event t-shirt sales, we have been able to give over $275,000 to local charities over the past 20 years.
Our business meetings are held monthly and a monthly newsletter is published to keep all members updated as to the latest happenings and information
The last few we have partnered with the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds to Bring the Carolina Truck and Tractor Pullers to the American legion Fairgrounds. This event features the Pro Pulling League and the Carolina Outlaw Pulling Series. They will be returning to the Hickory Fairgrounds in October of 2025!