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Set to take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 25, the Davis Brothers Farm Fest offers a jump back in time to fun old-fashioned activities. Children can learn games that were played in old one-room rural schools such as Red Rover, marbles or sack races, said Joyce Bonesteel, public relations chair.

"I'm really excited about that because today's kids have never heard of a lot of them," said Bonesteel, 57.

Rope-making and birdhouse-making will also be featured at the Farm Fest. Other firsts include a quilt raffle, teams of horses plowing and fitting the ground and bluegrass music by Vern Tyree.

Beekeeping is another new event offered in which an actual beehive will be on display, minus the bees. Education about beekeeping complete with equipment and gear will be provided and honey will be sold. Sheep and goats, with the possibility of turkeys, will be featured at the festival's petting zoo.

Antique machinery on display will include a 1909 Brush car from Kraff's Service Center, a 1917 Model T truck and various tractors and old-time farm equipment that served a pioneer's life. "Some people bring them back every year," Bonesteel said, "usually we have a pretty good showing."

Jim Davis, who grew up on the Davis farm, said that Ralph Grossbauer will also be a part of the farm fest.

"He has 75 kites that he'd like to help the kids make and then teach them how to fly," said Davis, 74.

Bonesteel, a lifelong Lapeer resident, explained one event the public really seems to enjoy is the thresher's dinner. The only event that costs money during the Davis Brothers Farm Fest, the thresher's dinner is served 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and includes roast beef, mashed potatoes, sweet corn, sliced tomatoes and homemade bread.

"It's nice because we're trying to get as much home grown food as possible," said Bonesteel. Only 300 tickets are available for the dinner with adults costing $9 and children 12 and under $5. Tickets can be purchased at Lapeer County Bank & Trust, Citizens First Bank in Lapeer and from any member of the Lapeer County Historical Society Board of Directors.

Bonesteel explained the purpose of Davis Brothers Farm Fest is "just to show people the way life used to be back in the 1930s-40s." She wants the public to remember that agriculture is the backbone of Lapeer County.

"I hope that it will bring an appreciation of agriculture in the farming community," she said. "We want people to appreciate agricultural and to remind them of our heritage."

Davis, a Lapeer resident, added the festival is also to honor the heritage of the Davis brothers.

"My goal is to get this thing built so that it runs for 100 years," said Davis.