LA GRANGE - Plans for the 4th Annual Texas Blacksmith Conference & Texas Antique Gas Engine Reunion have been finalized. The events will be held Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26 and 27 at the Texas Czech Heritage & Cultural Center's Czech Village grounds at 250 W. Fairgrounds Rd. in La Grange, beginning at noon on Friday for early exhibits and vendor set up and the main event at 9 a.m., on Saturday. There are many shows geared towards antique tractors, but none that are solely for the in- terest of the antique stationary engines, until now! The farm shows in Texas had seen a de cline in the past years in engine displays, and after only a few years of this show, the numbers are beginning to increase. This show is sure to help fuel-up the interest in this educational hobby. The show will feature gas, steam, hot air, and oil engines operating, and some powering equipment. The show is named in memory of long-time engine collector and restorer Hume L Baker of Sher - idan. Baker's dedication to the mechanics of restoration and eye for detail is known all over Tex - as' antique farm shows. Before his passing in 2018, Mr. Baker, as he was known, dispersed of his 40+ collection to other collectors and enthusiasts, sharing the love of his hobby with so many to en -
sure its future. The South Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twist - ers Club will be the hosting club for this show. Blacksmithing demonstrations, along with ven - dors of knives, tools, and other pieces of interest, will be ongoing on both days. An iron smelt will also be burning all day Saturday and pulled at the conclusion of the event, about 4 to 5 p.m.
On Saturday, master farrier Riley Kirkpatrick will be the fea - tured blacksmith, presenting two sessions.
In 2010, he graduated from the Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Mo. Kirkpatrick is certified through the American Farriers Association and an ac - tive member of the World Cham - pionship Blacksmiths where he competed on the Category 2 Team at Stoneleigh. He resides in Sheridan, with his wife and daughter. The popular iron smelt, the original way iron was made dat -
ing back to the Roman Empire, will also be burning all day Sat - urday and pulled at the conclu - sion of the event, about 4 to 5 p.m. The TCHCC and Village will be open for touring. The Zapalac Saw Mill and the Czech News - papers Museum will be in oper - ation. Concessions will also be available. A live auction will take place at 1 p.m., on Saturday with special handmade blacksmith knives and tools along with var - ious other specialty items to top the list.
Musical entertainment playing classic country throughout the day will be by the Annie Rost & Mike Stroup Band.
The proceeds generated from this event will benefit the future TCHCC Blacksmith Shop con - struction and other Village proj ects. The Blacksmith Shop will be available for future generations to learn about a trade that was very important to the life of a community and a farm in the early days of Texas' settlements. The Blacksmith Shop will be a working museum and events will be held in it throughout the year. There is no admission to the event. Donations are welcomed.
