September 25, 26, 27, 2009
(Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Rain or shine (many exhibits are sheltered indoors)
Our 2007 Fall Festival featured beautiful weather on both days and consequently, we had record attendance. For 2008, we decided to go to a 3 day format to hopefully spread out the attendance to improve your festival experience. Unfortunately, inclement weather plagued our 2008 show on all three days. It didn't rain continuously, but, it was enough to discourage many potential festival-goers. Don't let the chance of a shower dampen your enjoyment of this unique experience. CAMA is made up of 8 theme buildings and there is plenty of ways to get out of the weather if it should rain. (Note: Please be advised that CAMA has filed a request for perfect weather in 2009!)
This year marks our 25th Anniversary Fall Festival!
Demonstrating dragsaw operation
Most of the year, the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association grounds remain a relatively quiet location to sit and ponder the impact and importance of historic machinery on our everyday lives. However, late in September, we are transformed into a noisy, bustling cacophony of engines and saws and tractors and all things mechanical. CAMA literally comes to life. Most all of CAMA's own exhibits are in operation to amaze all but the most jaded enthusiast.
Join us in 2009 and help us make our 25th anniversary a show to remember!
Rides on the Plymouth Diesel
In our Industrial Hall, all of our stationary steam engines spring to life.
In our 5-bay shed and oilfield power buildings, our one-lunger "hit and miss" engines and our impressive Wolverine Diesel literally explode into action. Over in the Diebold Hall, our museum- and member-owned tractors are all spit-shined and raring to go. On our narrow gauge railroad tracks, old Hawaii #5 lurches into motion and belches the smoke and steam to prove it. Our trusty Plymouth Diesel locomotive, hits it's stride to please as many kids (and kids at heart) with a ride back in time. Our mining museum opens it's doors to record crowds. And that's just CAMA's contribution!
Explaining operation of a "hit and miss"
In addition to our own collection, outside exhibitors from all over the Northeast converge on our 8 acres of park-like grounds with their own tools, gas engines, steam engines, tractors and every other machine imaginable, to fill out our display and add to the excitement. Every year there are new surprises.
Special new CAMA exhibits for 2009:
1) 4 totally new exhibits in the Mining Museum,
2) our 14 foot flywheel C.H Brown engine restoration nears completion and we hope to have it under steam in 2009,
3) steam-up and operation of our newly restored Frick traction engine ,
4) Blacksmith Shop exhibits and smithy demonstrations.
Admission fees - $8.00 for adults and teens, $4.00 for children 6-12 years old, and free admission for kids age 5 and under.
Free admission for CAMA members and their immediate family (with membership card)
Spectator admission will be collected at the main gate on the main road to the site, rather than as you enter in your car. Spectators now park free and pay at the main gate.
Spectator Hours: 10AM to 4PM both days. The show is on our grounds in Kent, CT.
Limited handicap parking available close to the show. Free transportation from the parking lot to the main gate.
Food vendors on site. Don't miss CAMA's "Engineer's Vegetable Beef Soup."
Colorful exhibits at the Fall Festival
For specific information for either exhibitors or spectators, please call CAMA at (860) 927-0050. You may also call Jim Daly (our show chairman) at (860) 354-1859 or John Pawloski (CAMA's President) at (860) 354-0296.
Or, email us at the address listed below:
- For Fall Festival exhibitor information: FallFestivalInfo@ctamachinery.com
- For Fall Festival spectator information: FallFestivalInfo@ctamachinery.com
Exhibited "Scientific" gas engine
Festival co-ordinators are in the process of mailing out welcome letters and exhibitor/vendor registration forms to all previous respondents on our mailing list. As a service to both our past (as well as potential new) exhibitors and vendors, we are including links to printable e-copies of the 2009 exhibitor/vendor welcome letter and registration form. Please print out a copy of the registration e-form, fill it out beforehand and present it when you arrive at the show. This will expedite your registration process.
2009 Fall Festival Exhibitor/Vendor Welcome Letter
2009 Fall Festival Registration Form
Note that CAMA opens it's grounds to exhibitor and vendor early arrivals on Wednesday, September 23, 2009. Exhibitors and vendors that arrive earlier will not be permitted on the festival grounds until this date. Also, be advised that spaces for the show are first-come-first-serve. E-mail CAMA if you need to arrive before September 23rd (see email links above)