While Ironton Ironmaster Days festival may be gone, part of it lives on.

Because of popular demand, organizers Lee Nance and Don Mootz

will continue the antique engine and tractor show on June 22-23 at the Ironton Hills Plaza at the intersection of U.S. 52 and State Route 93.

This is the ninth year for the event and it draws fans and collectors from all over.

“We’ve had people from as far away as North Carolina, from Holmes County in Amish country, Indiana,” he said, adding there are quite a few people from the Tri-State who attend as well.

“It turns into a pretty big show,” he said. He estimates they will have 75-100 exhibitors and about 500 showing up to see the old farm equipment.

“Some of the equipment is 90 to 100 years old that has been restored to original condition and operation,” Mootz said.

Many of the older attendees remember the equipment from when they were growing up and younger generations “are just interested in our heritage,” he said. “So we get a lot of attention.”

Mootz has an old tractor himself and is a member of the Greenup Tractor Club.

The lifelong Lawrence County resident said his interest in the farm equipment comes from the age of it.

“I’m fascinated by anything that is old,” he said. “I’m always fascinated by people who recreate the parts they need for these machines. They are really craftsmen.”

He also enjoys the social aspect of the event.

“My generation comes in and we just talk,” he said. “I like talking over old times.”

Events include their annual Saturday parade of power, a barell roll, determining the oldest tractor that still runs and a race to see which tractor can go the slowest and keep running.

“It’s just a good time,” Mootz said. “It’s kind of like a family reunion for us.”

The Ironmaster Days will be was cancelled this year because there was a lack of funds and volunteers for the event.