39th edition of Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show revs-up McGregor

by Garrett Fodor

Engines were firing on all cylinders as the 39th Annual Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show rolled into McGregor this past weekend.

The annual three-day festival draws crowds to McGregor’s Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum, as the club hosts the annual exhibit. While being able to highlight the engines and equipment and facilities permanently housed onsite, it also draws countless vintage engines, motors, and tractors of all makes and generations for visitors to see.   

“We really try to offer something for everyone. Each year, we try to feature different activities and events to keep the families coming out, a lot of people say we are the best kept secret,” Gary Struhar, President of the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum, said. “It’s great to see people smiling, children having fun, and enjoying the sights and displays. It sort of feels like a big family reunion, and it’s always great to bring everyone together.” 

While the festivities kicked off Friday afternoon, Saturday was the first full day of entertainment. The excitement Saturday morning began with the parade of tractors, vehicles, and machinery, which ran through McGregor to the museum. This year, Struhar noted there were more than 40 tractors that participated in the parade. Once the tractors arrived back onsite, the full day of activities started from thrashing displays to kids' “turkey in the straw,” pony rides, vendors, machinery displays, tractor pulls, live music, and more. 

  “There’s always a wide-array of displays; this year, there were a lot of Allis-Chalmers on display in particular,” Struhar added. “It’s great being able to see some of these machines up close. I grew up on a farm years ago, and for me and so many others, seeing these machines brings me back to when these items were used. But it’s great and they always bring with them great conversations. It’s always great to see the kids smiling and into it too, and we’ve been trying to make sure they’re happy and entertained as well, beyond the tractors, too.”

  While his parents were members of the club, Struhar’s grandson, Cylis, has also spent over five-years volunteering with the museum, helping to run errands over the course of the weekend.

Reflecting on the end of the show, Struhar was grateful for the community support from sponsors to donors, the volunteers, and the community for coming out and helping to support the museum.

  Looking ahead to next year’s edition of the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Show marking its 40-year anniversary, Struhar said they are already looking forward to the milestone. They have earmarked August 14-16 in 2026 for this special anniversary show. With each passing show, Struhar continues to pass on the passion to those around him.   

Struhar noted that the club is always looking for new members, having bloomed in size to feature over 120 members. He encouraged anyone interested to connect with them online on the Essex County Steam and Gas Museum website or social media page.