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UNION — For the 10th year in a row, a free event at Union County Fairgrounds will offer a look at farms and farm equipment of the past, with a focus this year on cotton and cotton production in Union County.

The 10th annual Union County Antique Farm Equipment Show will offer entertainment for all ages on Saturday at Union County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Allen Owens — one of the original 13 members of the show committee — said the idea for such an event in Union County came about in 2001.

“A bunch of us were sitting around one day talking about agriculture, and a lot of us at one time were also on the Farm Bureau board,” Owens said. “We were wondering what we could do to show some of the younger people the older agricultural equipment and how things were done in years gone by. Tractor shows are popular everywhere, and we had our first one here in 2002.”

Owens said the theme for this year’s show is “Cotton and Cotton Production in Union County,” and the Rev. Carrol Caldwell will lead seminars about cotton — from the field to making fabric for clothes. Caldwell has 40 to 45 years experience with cotton, including physically working with it as well as teaching classes about it.

A large number of antique tractors will be on display during Saturday’s event, and the always-popular Parade of Power will also take place. During the parade, the driver of each tractor will speak about the specifics of his or her particular tractor.

The event will also feature ongoing displays of chainsaw art, wood carving, blacksmithing and antique quilting.

Owens said many who attend the show year after year look forward to the competitions such as the kids peddle tractor pull and the cow milking contest.

Farm animals will be on display in the 4-H barn, along with a pool of shelled corn in which children 10 and under will be allowed to play.

“It looks like the weather is going to be perfect, lunch will be available and admission is free,” Owens said.

Owens also mentioned that the event would not be possible without its gracious sponsors — both monetary and in-kind.

Owens said he looks forward to the growth of the event each year, and the committee will meet on Sunday — the day after the event — to begin working on next year’s event.

For more information about the 10th annual Union County Antique Farm Equipment Show, call (864) 426-0068 or (864) 427-6259.