Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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Shared by Matthew Knight, as Guest Blogger.

Farming is the backbone of civilization. Do you know how your last meal got from the farm to the table? It was probably through an interesting combination of agricultural technology, logistics, and good weather. The quest to feed the 8 billion people in the world stands on the shoulders of yesterday's farmers who were also tinkerers and inventors.

The Chippokes State Park Steam & Gas Engine show is May 30-31, 2015 All day 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and the cost is just $5 per person; children 12 and under are free. 

Come out and experience some hands-on demonstrations of antique, turn-of-the-century, and modern farm equipment. There will be tractor pulls, kid's games, great food, and lots of family fun. Bring your swimsuit, the park's pool is open, too!  

Visit the Farm & Forestry Museum during the Steam & Gas Engine Show for an in-depth look into America's past -  May 30-31, 2015 visit the Chippokes State Park Steam & Gas Engine show

Stop by the Farm & Forestry Museum for an in-depth look at America's farming history

From draft horses to diesel engines, farming and the quest for reliable and abundant crops changed the face of technology, engineering, and agriculture. Seeing the vast expanse of picturesque, neatly planted cropland invokes an appreciation for the all the technological advancements that have come from agriculture. This event is a great way to help kid's understand and get hands-on with America's pioneering, homesteading, and farming history. 

This 1950s Benthall Peanut Picker will be the highlight of the Steam and Gas Engine Show.  May 30-31, 2015 visit the Chippokes State Park Steam & Gas Engine show

Each year, the Steam & Gas Engine show organizers vote on a show mascot--a special or unique piece of machinery that will be featured during the event. The mascot of this year’s show is a 1950s Benthall Peanut Picker.

Peanut picking demonstrations will be ongoing through out the weekend. Peanuts’ rise to fame began during the Civil War, when hungry soldiers found these protein-packed snacks to be convenient for eating on the march. Now a Virginia staple and an important part of Virginia's economy, peanuts became very popular in the early 1900s thanks to George Washington Carver.

Other demonstrations that will be occurring throughout the festival include hay baling, hearth cooking, and corn grinding. A 1930’s sawmill, which is a permanent exhibit at Chippokes State Park will also be running. Tram tours will take place during the festival to show visitors the park’s historic mansion and outbuildings. Come to the 25th annual Chippokes Steam and Gas Engine show for some old-fashioned entertainment. 

The brick kitchen at the Jones-Stewart Mansion will feature hearth cooking demonstrations -  May 30-31, 2015 visit the Chippokes State Park Steam & Gas Engine show

Make some new memories as history comes alive, you can bet the farm on that!

Chippokes State Park is located in Surry, Virginia. Take the Jamestown-Scotland car ferry across the James River that runs between Williamsburg and Surry. The car ferry is a great way to start or end your outdoor adventure into Virginia's historical and agricultural heritage. More park info here.

We hope to see you out on the farm on May 20-31, 2015 at Chippokes State Park and bring the whole family

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

COMMENTS

Mia (July 13, 2015 11:49:34 PM): I LOVE going to these types of things, my dad and uncle took me to steam engine shows while growing up, my grandfather worked for the railroads here in Va for awhile before he returned to Ohio and his farming roots and sawmill work, believe he worked in a sawmill in Portsmouth Va and always wondered where it was located in the 1920's as he was born in 1898....where would one find such history?

Virginia State Parks (May 27, 2015 12:05:18 PM): Just go to this link and enter the information requested.
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/intranet/eMailSignup.html

Christina Ohlrogge (May 27, 2015 10:55:14 AM): i like to subscribe to the VSP newsletter

Virginia State Parks (May 26, 2015 05:10:37 PM): We don't have a way to do that but if you subscribe to our weekly enewsletter you will hear about it in a timely fashion. http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/intranet/eMailSignup.html

nancy clemen (May 26, 2015 04:57:06 PM): send me a remember for the next one so I can plan to come ...please and thank you

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