Show is a go

Number 55 is still alive.

Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association’s board of directors voted 10-8 Sunday to move forward with its 55th annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show. The event is scheduled for Aug. 26 through 29 at Jay County Fairgrounds.

The organization canceled its May swap meet because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The association shared the news on its Facebook page that the show, which draws tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world each year, will go on as scheduled. It would only be canceled, the post said, if required by state or local government in the case of a spike in coronavirus cases.

Indiana’s new case totals have ranged between 200 and 700 daily since its staged “reopening” process began May 4. The average over the last seven days is 372 new cases.

As of Monday, Jay County had a total of 66 cases of COVID-19. It has averaged 0.96 new cases per day since May 4, up from 0.53 per day between the report of its first case March 31 and May 3.

The organization’s Facebook post acknowledged that some may not feel safe attending the event.

“If you are concerned about your health and the possibility of carrying something back home, then stay home,” the post said. “We do not hold that decision against you. Stay home. Be safer. Be happy. We hope to see you next year.”

The board consulted with volunteers and vendors who work at the event, Jay County Fair Board members and Jay County Health Department before making its decision Sunday. Its Facebook posted indicated that it will put in place “as many social distancing suggestions as we can implement,” but did not provide specific details.

This year’s show will feature Massey Harris tractors and Illinois engines. Typically, the event has more than 3,000 engines, more than 800 tractors 25 years and older, more than 400 engine and tractor part dealers and 150 antique and craft dealers. There will be nightly entertainment in the Farmer’s Building.

Camping for this year’s event will be allowed beginning at 7 a.m. Aug. 15.

Local events have faced various fates because of the coronavirus pandemic, with next month’s Jay County Fair scaled back from its original nine days to four. The 4-H events will be held in a “show-and-go” format.

Vintage Motor Bike Club’s annual meet that was scheduled for late July at the fairgrounds is canceled, as is the annual 4th of July celebration at the fairgrounds.

The Spring Explosion 2020 demolition derbies that were set for April 24 through 26 at the fairgrounds were canceled, but the Metal Mayhem derbies slated for Friday through Sunday will be held.