Antique square baling demonstration at Leslieville Antique Days (Photo by Sharlene Bjorge)

By Jordan Rein

Annual event

Leslieville Antique Days returns August long

Jul 31, 2024 | 10:17 AM

Leslieville Antique Days is set to return to the West Country region August long weekend.

Held annually for at least four decades at the Leslieville Antique Club grounds located east of the community, the event features camping, vendors, the popular tractor pull, tours of historic buildings, and of course, food.

“The cinnamon shack women are heroes, because they are working in a little log cabin with wood burning stoves,” explains Penny Seiling, longtime Central Alberta Antique and Model Club member. “They make cinnamon buns all day for the two days of the event. It sells out regularly”

When it comes to the popular tractor pull, Seiling adds it’s always a thrill seeing the old tractors, sometimes upwards of 100 years old, pull such heavy loads.

Among the historic sites on the grounds includes the original Leslieville general store, actual lived-in farmhouses, Withrow church, sawmill, and schoolhouse, which Seiling adds is set up as it would be during pioneer days, complete with chalk alphabet.

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Other scheduled events include a parade Saturday and Sunday, a pancake breakfast, and a Sunday morning worship service with music and message being provided by local churches.

Throughout the weekend, Seiling says families can enjoy a petting zoo, live music and threshing displays on the antique farm equipment.

Live music at Leslieville Antique Days (Photo by Sharlene Bjorge)

Organized by the Central Alberta Antique and Model Club, the organization holds fundraisers throughout the year to not only put on events such as Antique Days, but also for general upkeep of the buildings and boardwalks on the grounds. And, as Seiling says, to keep the miniature steam train rolling.

Dubbed “The Royal Scott”, Seiling says the miniature steam train had to have its boiler replaced recently. Due to the highly specialized nature of the work, it ended up at a cost of at least $32,000- a sum that came from the club’s coffers.

The train makes an appearance every summer, and has miniature cars that offer train rides to families.

The Royal Scott miniature steam train at Leslieville Antique Days (Photo by Sharlene Bjorge)

Despite ongoing club expenses, Seiling says fundraising has been going well in 2024, including a well-attended yard sale fundraiser held in May which saw the club generate around $1500.

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READ MORE: Leslieville Antique Club to host fundraising yard sale

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Another similar fundraiser is being considered for September.

Seiling says efforts are underway to expand the east end of the Back To Our Roots building to eventually house a rare, working Keighley engine, an antique piece of machinery that ground large rocks into gravel.

Leslieville Antique Days is also a great opportunity to dress in pioneer clothing, says Seiling, as many volunteers and attendees enjoy doing every year, but it is not required.

Attendees at Leslieville Antique Days (Photo by Sharlene Bjorge)

Admission to the event is $10 person and those 12 and under are free.

Camping is available for an additional $10 per night, something Seiling says is very popular, as many make it an annual, ‘escape from the city’ type trip.

Parking is free near the grounds with previous years featuring wagon rides going to and from the grounds.