This weekend will be no different, with activities for young and old that are both educational and fun, bringing a slice of rural life to town.

"It's an opportunity for people to get a first-hand view of the farming way of life -- past and present," said David Stirk of the Ontario Steam and Antique Preservers Association, which puts on the event.

Steam-Era runs from today to Monday, with gates opening at 8 a.m. and closing after dusk, except for Monday, when the gates close in the late afternoon.

Today admission costs $6 for adults and is free for kids 12 and under with an adult. Saturday to Monday, admission costs $7 for adults and is free for kids. Fairground entrances are at Thomas Street and Robert Street.

A plethora of activities will be packed into the weekend, including nightly special events.

Friday night, a mini tractor pull will be held at 7 p.m. at the grandstand.

Saturday at 7:30 p.m., the 31st annual Country Western Talent Contest will take place, with local performers given an opportunity to shine.

Visitors Sunday night will be treated to a concert at 8 p.m. by Settlers Creek.

ANNUAL PARADE SATURDAY

Perhaps one of the most anticipated activities is the parade through downtown, which will be held Saturday at 12:15 p.m. It'll begin at Main and Commercial streets and make its way along Main Street to the fairgrounds.

There'll also be daily equipment parades at the fairgrounds.

To satisfy hungry appetites, a steam engine-powered corn roast will be held each night that'll last "until either the corn's gone or the people are gone," Stirk said.

There's also be a flea market, antique vendors, and displays of crafts, toys and models. And kids love rides on the model steam engine train, Stirk said.

Of course, there will be working steam engines on display performing a number of tasks all weekend.

This year's event theme will be "The Evolution of the Farm Tractor."

On display will be tractors from the early 1900s to today, allowing visitors to see the various changes in design made throughout the years.

While it used to be that many grandfathers attended the show with their grandchildren, pointing out the machines they knew from their childhoods, things have changed.

Stirk said that it's now often parents who attend with their children, and both learn at the same time about an era gone by.

"It's like going to a real-life, operating library," he said.

Stephanie Hounsell can be reached at sthiessen@miltoncanadianchampion.com.