By Beth Taylor
Take a trip to Conner Prairie Interactive History Park Sept. 13 and 14 to discover how Indiana innovators played a role in shaping the nation’s automotive industry. The inaugural Festival of Machines will display concours-quality vintage cars, military aircraft, tractors, steam engines, and construction equipment. Visitors can meet racecar driver Pippa Mann, learn about building soap-box derby cars, and take a ride in a Dallara IndyCar.
“The real story is just how important Indiana’s automotive history is Indiana car companies were prolific. There was so much talent and so much ingenuity that Indiana could have rivaled Detroit,” said Chris Petrelli, director of programs and education at Conner Prairie.
A select group of classic cars will be featured throughout the weekend festival, highlighted by exclusive, well-maintained models, such as a 1933 Marmon Sixteen Victoria Coupe. Local-at-the-time Marmon Motor Car Company produced the first winning car at the first Indianapolis 500 race. Also on hand will be a 1914 Stutz Bearcat and a 1927 Cadillac Duel Cowl Phaeton.
“Without a doubt, the 500 brought those innovative minds to Indiana, and propelled the entire auto industry forward,” said Petrelli.
Planning for the large-scale, all-things-transportation festival began months ago. Petrelli and his team look for ways to highlight the scientific concepts to be informative and educational as well as entertaining. “In addition to getting to see vintage automobiles and machines not usually seen, kids also get hands-on activities, like being able to design a vehicle,” said Petrelli.
Although 8- to 12-year-olds may receive the greatest educational benefit, most programs will appeal to a general audience.
IndyCar driver Pippa Mann will appear daily to meet fans, take photos, and sign autographs. Mann will also share information about her partnership with Glass Hammer Racing, which seeks to engage young women interested in motorsports careers as well as other science, technology, engineering and math-related careers.
Admission to Conner Prairie’s Festival of Machines presented by Ricker’s is free for members; for non-members, the cost is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors age 65 and over and $10 for youth ages 2 through 12. Active and veteran military personnel with proper identification will be admitted free. For more information, go to www.connerprairie.org or call 776-6000.
