Our History

The Grease Steam and Rust Association, or “GSR” for short, was founded February 21, 1981. The club’s purpose is to preserve agricultural history for future generations. We do this as individuals restoring tractors and equipment for display at our show and as a club to restore and display club purchased equipment. The association owns and operates a fully restored 1913 Frick steam engine, several threshing machines, tractors, and related farm equipment that is displayed at out annual show held at the Fulton County Fair Grounds in McConnellsburg, PA. 

Our monthly meetings are held at the fair grounds the first Monday of each month at 7:00 PM.

In addition to our annual show we hold various events (see schedule) throughout the year to promote the organization and our efforts to establish an agricultural museum.
Each year we prominently display a featured brand of tractors and equipment at our annual fall show.

Our annual show is held the third weekend in October in conjunction with the Fulton Fall Folk Festival, which is a countywide event. Show activities include working machinery displays, hay rides, truck, tractor horse and pedal pulls for the children in all of us, crafts, fleas and entertainment round out the daily activates.

We present dash plaques and show buttons to all exhibitors and award trophies and ribbons in various categories, i.e. Best of Show, Best of Show Feature Tractor, Best of the Worst and others.  We also have a show -grounds raffle.

The event enjoyed by many of our exhibitors is the annual festival parade. The parade runs the length of McConnellsburg for over two hours. Crowd estimates in the thousands witness this annual parade, which includes tractors, steam engines, antique cars, floats, marching groups, bands and equestrian units.

Our organization and show is open to all tractor and engine collectors. We welcome you to join us in what we feel is a family oriented hobby beneficial to all. We hope to see you at the show! 

Frequently asked questions:

 Our location: We are located in south central Pa. the easiest routes to our show located on the Fulton Co Fair Grounds in McConnellsburg Pa are as follows;

From the east and west take the PA turnpike to exit 13, we are 10 miles south on US 522

From the north or south Take I-81 to Rt. 30 west at Chambersburg Pa or US 16 west at Greencastle, Pa.  Approx 22 miles (over mountain!)

From I-70 take US 522 north at the Warfordsburg, Pa. exit. Approx 15 miles.

We will have signs up directing you to the grounds thru town.

Our loading area and public admission areas are separated please watch for signs.

For lodging information you may contact the Fulton Co Chamber of Commerce regarding area hotels at 717-485-4064.

Exhibiting There is no charge to display.  Plaques, buttons, exhibitor ribbons, and admission passes are provided for each exhibitor.  It is not necessary to pre-register.

Primitive camping is available on a first come first serve basis (Donations accepted)

NO pets or alcohol permitted on the show grounds. Service animals ONLY are permited.

NO motorized carts with the exception of preapproved handicapped persons.