(ET) INVITES ALL ETs to Show

[ThompsonG DFO-MPO GC CA]

Hello E-List
Niagara Antique Power Association (N.A.P.A.) invites all Electric Tractor
owners to their Annual Show. 

The Niagara Antique Power Association (N.A.P.A.) is having their annual
Tractor and Equipment show June 30th through July 3rd, 2001 at their
permanent show sight in Sherkston, Ontario, Canada. Sherkston is on the
north shore of Lake Erie approximately 30 minutes from Buffalo, New York, 
30
minutes from Niagara Falls and in the middle of Ontario wine country.
        I am a member of N.A.P.A (also an E15 owner) and I have made
arrangements for an electric tractor area as part of this year's show. I
think that this will be a great weekend for those of us on the list within
driving distance. So load up the pick-up or trailer with your favorite ET
(or three) and haul it to the show. 
At the show site we can get together and exchange ideas, problem solve, 
swap
parts, show off our little beasts and generally socialize. In fact, this
could turn into a little conference for us ET types.  The success of this
really depends on how many owners and pieces of equipment show up.
 
It gets even better!!
The show is the major fundraiser for N.A.P.A. and it draws large crowds
(thousands) over the three days. The success of the show (money collected)
depends on the size of the crowd and the size of the crowd depends on the
quality and number of exhibits. The site is outside, grassed, and very 
large
so there are no space limitations. Exhibitors are what make the show and
draw the crowds so all exhibitors are welcomed and there is no charge to
show. The only cost to us, as exhibitors, is the cost to get to the show,
food and lodging. 
The overall theme of this year's show is "On Steel". If you are not a
tractor person this means that there will be a lots of old tractors with
steel wheels. Most of these will be in working order, lovingly restored by
their owners. However, the theme only means that this class of tractor will
have a presence at the show. Make no mistake we electric folks are also
welcome. 
The show is not just static displays, several times a day there is a parade
where all the rolling tractors line up and drive by the grandstand where an
announcer introduces the tractor and its owner/driver. There are fully
sanctioned tractor pulls and a "fun" tractor pull each day. For the folks
with steam tractors, (steamers) there is a fully operational antique
sawmill, to which they can belt up to and run the saw for an hour or two. 
At
any time during the show you are free to take your tractor out for a spin,
and if you feel so inclined there are plenty of odd jobs for you and your
tractor to do. (Given the nature of ET's deliveries of soda and food to the
numerous food concession stands is a clear calling). There is a flea 
market,
crafts area, displays of antique farm implements and hand tools, small gas
engines, large one-lung gas engines, pumps, washing machines, old toys, 
farm
toys, dolls and even old telephone exchanges. There is lots to see and do 
in
a very relaxed and rural setting. 
And More
 The show site is big enough that there is camping and trailer parking.
This is also free if you are an exhibitor (there are no hook-ups or power
for the trailers). If you not into roughing-it, there is a motel, the
Sandman, very close to the site in Sherkston, and there are numerous hotels
and motels in the nearby town of Port Colborne. (Note: you folks from the
US, the American dollar is currently worth about $1.60 Canadian, and all
costs are in Canadian Dollars). 
A word about food and social events.
There is a threshermans supper (approx. $10) Saturday night and after the
show closes one of the steamer guys uses his tractor to cook-up hot dogs,
the fiddles come out and people sit around the "campfire". During the show
there are a variety of opportunities to eat well, BBQ'd sausages, hot dogs
and burgers, home baked goods, and even popcorn made in an antique popcorn
machine (real butter too). So leave the diet at home.

Security and facIlities
The site has very good security, especially after hours and late at night.
Association members supervise, cadets from the local community college's 
law
enforcement program do the patrols and the site is closed to all. The area
we will be located in will have electric power hookups for charging. I have
a 10-by 12-foot canopy that I will bring for shade -- bring a lawn chair.
Please consider coming for all or part of the show; it will be a lot of 
fun.
I will act as a coordinator and will supply whatever information you need
(including detailed directions), and information on the other things to see
and do while you are in this part of Ontario, e.g., Niagara Falls,
MarineLand, Casino Niagara, Niagara on the Lake, Winery tours; the list is
endless). 
Please contact me if you plan to attend so get a count and organize
accordingly. 
A final word this invitation is not exclusive to General Electric 
Electraks;
all electric tractors and lawn equipment fully restored, works in progress,
running or not are welcome.

 
HOPE TO See you at the Show!



Geof Thompson B. Sc.
Data Management Engineer
Canadian Hydrographic Service
Central and Arctic Region
867 Lakeshore Road 
Burlington, Ontario
Canada. L7R 4A6 


Phone (905) 336-4698
Fax (905) 336-4698
E-mail Thompsong dfo-mpo gc ca