The Pocono Farm Equipment Association aims to “promote interest in the preservation, restoration and education of antique tractors, engines, implements and toys.”

Celebrating 30 years with 240 members the Antique Tractor, Gas Engine & Farm Equipment show was held at the West End Fairgrounds.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much of a crowd Sunday.

Mike Klingel of Snydersville said that it’s more difficult to get kids interested in agriculture.

Klingel grew up with his family owning a dairy farm then a produce farm. He has been farming for 25 years. In an effort to keep the kids interested a tractor parade was held with kids, including 7-year-old William Klingel, enjoying riding smaller tractors around the fairgrounds.

Other events included tractor pulls, kids pedal pull, demonstrations and exhibits.

Attendees could watch how water pumps are used, how corn is shelled and ground and learn about different engines used throughout the years.

The family of Robert Serfass of Kresgeville has been in the area since the 1700s. His father Charles was a dairy farmer in Brodheadsville.

Serfass said it’s “important to preserve the history of farming and farm equipment.”

Eleven-year-old Jameson Hearn and 8-year-old Priscilla Hearn were learning a bit about different sizes of tractors from their grandfather Lynn Hearn.

Although Priscilla was more interested in the Jolly Ranchers she just bought, Jameson learned that McCormick is a “very big company.”

Hearn and brothers Roger and Rocky Meckes were discussing that there is less and less interest in family farms and agriculture, especially as kids spend so much time on electronics.

Of the more than 240 members of the group, 30 are considered “active.”

Those members plan events, conduct fundraising and attend monthly meetings.

Wednesday the group holds “work night” where they are in the process of updating the Farm Equipment museum at the West End Fairgrounds. They are putting in new interior walls and a ceiling, paying for this through raffle tickets sales and other fundraising events.

Check out the Facebook page: Pocono Old Tyme Farm Equipment Association to learn more or join the group. There is a need to have future generations understand agriculture and the history of farm equipment.