Otis Old Iron Days
Old Iron Days was back after a 15-year break!
As part of the 150th Anniversary of Rush County, Kansas, the people of Otis resurrected Old Iron Days for a one-time encore celebration. History came alive in Otis, Kansas!
Thank you to all the participants in Old Iron Days 2024. It was a day to remember.
Scenes from Otis Old Iron Days 2024
Historical Society Displays in the Senior Center and the Society's Depot Baggage Cart.
A few of the tractors on display and a blacksmithing demonstration.
An old engine rigged up to a can crusher.
Talking tractors at an earlier Old Iron Days.
Friday, April 26
6:00 pm: Pancake Feed sponsored by Otis Lions Club - People's Bank Tent
6:00 - 8:00 pm: Music by Off Duty - People's Bank Tent
Saturday, April 27
10:00 am - 2:00 pm:
Car & Tractor Show
Military Vehicles
Otis Fire Department
Blacksmithing Demonstration
Kid's Games
Mountain Man Rendezvous
Helium Balloons provided by Messer, LLC
Vendor Fair - Otis-Bison Elementary Gym
Food at the Tumbleweed & Woods Food Truck
Shelly Kershner Snow Cones, & More
Historical Displays - Senior Center
2:30 pm:
Parade on Main Street
Sunday, April 28
10:30 am: Community Church Service - People's Bank Tent
More Information
The History of Otis Old Iron Days
(Written in 2009) Our goal is to renew interest in the fascinating workmanship of Iron engines and tractors.
In 1987 Jim Funk approached the Otis Kansas City council with an idea for a show to both bolster interest in Otis as well as showing off his hobbies and collections.
The council was interested, and Old Iron Days was born. Harry Schneider and Jenny Landers were recruted to help, and the show went on for a decade. In 1997 the show was successful enough that other exhibitors became interested,
and the show became what it is today. A 2 day show of Engines, Tractors, and Black Powder items from the past. The show has increased and decreased in interest since, but still remains a staple of Otis's year.
In the fall of 2008 Jim Funk passed away, his spirit and presence will be greatly missed, but the show will continue in his honor.
Sadly, the last Old Iron Days Celebration took place in April 2011. The following year, the event was cancelled, “"Due to lack of horsepower.” Mr. Petersilie passed away in 2015, and Mr. Schneider in 2022. In honor of the 150th Celebration and these gentlemen whose vision started this event, the town of Otis will once again come alive in 2024 to celebrate Old Iron.
Old Iron Days is Sponsored by the Otis Lions Club, Otis, Kansas 
For more information: contact LeAnn Petersilie at: 785-577-1396