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Letting off steam in Alexander

By Howard B. Owens

The event is in its 43rd year and covers more than 100 acres -- the WNY Gas and Steam Engine Association's annual rally.

A crowd that may have topped 5,000 was on hand today, with as many or more expected tomorrow.

The event features an amazing array of motorized vehicles and gizmos, from John Deere tractors to single-stroke engines. There's food, entertainment, trade booths and, of course, tractor pulls.

More photos after the jump.

tom hunt

I was out there Thursday afternoon and watched that old stationary engine run for hours. It runs of propane gas and pumped water to the oil fields at Bolivar NY for 55 straight years 24x7 before being retired. Impressive; they don't make them like that anymore. It is sad that technology is being lost in the mist of time.

Sep 12, 2009, 9:19pm Permalink
Susan Kennelly

I went about 1:30 this afternoon with the 3 Year old little girl I babysit. (wasn't sure how she would like it or if she would want to go home) Met up with my daughter and friends there. We stayed until about 9:30 this evening. I had a great time....She had a ball! She wanted to go back "later". I usually like to take her places when I babysit to break up the week. Get her out of her comfort zone and try new things. This was a success!

Sep 13, 2009, 1:13am Permalink
Bea McManis

Sue and her brothers spent many hours camping at steam shows when they were growing up.
When I saw Howard's pictures, my first thought was that it didn't rain in Alexander this weekend.
It is a great experience for young and old alike.
Glad you had a good time, Sue.

Sep 13, 2009, 1:46am Permalink
Bob Price

Yeah,it was really nice without the rain this year.The 2 previous years that I went it was a mudhole.It was packed today-I had a tough time finding a parking place across street in field.Tractor pull was still going on when I left at 5:30-I wanted to see my boss pull in the 12500# class,but my son had to get home to finish some homework.Good food and a good time!

Sep 13, 2009, 7:50pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Bob,
Over the years we ended up in mudholes at many steam shows, not just Alexander. Canandaigua was another one we could almost count on drenching rain.
But, it just added to the fun.
The kids never seem to mind.

Sep 13, 2009, 9:42pm Permalink

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