Badger Steam and Gas Engine Club's Home, Sweet Home

As with every project, this one drew its share of opposition.

"Oh, we've encountered small problems, and had disagreements," Don said. "That's common. You just need a very good working relationship on the board, which we have, and on the land development committee, which we have."

The undertaking resulted in more than just expanded show grounds.

"The project has generated a lot of enthusiasm," Don said. "People who were not overly active (in the club) before have shown a lot of interest and support in how we've grown.

"Sometimes change is hard to accept, but we try to remember we're doing it for the benefit of the club," he said. "When there's enthusiasm, when people are enjoying what they're doing, the work isn't so hard. Now we have something to show for it."

And what home would be complete without a welcome mat?

"Our goal is to accommodate all the people, and make this a pleasant and enjoyable event," Don said. "There's a growing interest in antiques, and in farm practices of yesteryear. And the flea market is a growing thing. The women's auxiliary does a great job with the crafts and concessions. The combination of all those things gets the whole family involved. We try to have a big variety of things going on, something for everyone."

Try this for variety: The Badger show offers clover hulling, threshing, corn shredding, sawing logs, band mill, shingle making machine, one of the largest displays of gas engines in the area, steam engines, oil pulls,a large display of antique tractors, old farm machinery; hog oilers, antique snowmobiles, chainsaws, wrenches, cream separators, windmills, flea market, steam-powered well drilling, blacksmithing, crafts, homemade ice cream (cranked by gas engines) and camping (for exhibitors only). FC 

For more information: Badger Steam & Gas Engine Club, Inc., PO Box 255, Baraboo, WI 53913; on-line at http://www.badgersteamandgas.com.