Farm Toy Show Talk with Nate Schlief, Greater Grand Forks Farm Toy Show

Agweek Podcast host, Al Winmill, recently had the chance to chat with Nate Schlief of the Greater Grand Forks Farm Toy Show about their upcoming 4th Annual show in Grand Forks, ND.

Nate shared information about the show, located at the Alerus Center, March 28-29, along with his history in the farm toy hobby, how the show started and more. 

Learn more about the 4th Annual Greater Grand Forks Farm Toy Show at Nate's preferred communication platform, their public Facebook Group: Greater Grand Forks Farm Toy Show

Here's a link to the Alerus Center's write up on the show: https://www.aleruscenter.com/events/detail/3rd-annual-grand-forks-farm-toy-show-1

Here's a summary of the episode: 

Show Origins and Initial Planning (0:00 - 2:14)

Al Winmill welcomes Nate Schlief, organizer of the Greater Grand Forks Farm Toy Show, to the Ag Week podcast. Schlief discusses his lifelong passion for farm toys and the inspiration behind starting the show. He explains that the decline of farm toy shows in smaller North Dakota towns, combined with his son's participation in national shows, led to the idea. He partnered with a friend and his wife, choosing the Alerus Center due to its accessibility for vendors. Their initial plan was to have 50-60 vendor tables.

Show Growth and Vendor Collaboration (2:15 - 4:47)

Schlief  details the show's growth, noting that they aimed for a March date to avoid overlap with other shows and to accommodate their shared vendor base. The first year saw 65 tables, and the show has since grown to around 100 tables, even turning vendors away due to space limitations. He highlights the community support and nostalgia for past local toy shows, emphasizing the show's role in connecting people with a shared hobby. He also mentions the possibility of a future show in Bismarck.

Vendor Diversity and Display Highlights (4:48 - 6:20)

The discussion shifts to the variety of vendors at the show. Schlief describes the range of merchandise, including farm toys, clothing, literature, and steel signs, and mentions unique vendors like one selling goat milk products. He notes the trading and selling among vendors and attendees, and highlights the display of collections, such as a Big Bud tractor display and handcrafted versatile tractors.

Interactive Exhibits and Community Engagement (6:21 - 10:03)

Schlief describes unique exhibits, including 3D printers and NDSU's Department of Ag Engineering. He emphasizes the addition of a kids' play area with a corn-filled pool and toys, and a designated space for remote-controlled semi tractors and bulldozers. He discusses the farm toy displays, noting they are not yet judged, and shares tips on creating displays using affordable materials. He highlights the show's Facebook page and the Toy Farmer magazine as resources for hobbyists.

Information Sharing and Community Impact (10:03 - 11:18)

Schlief explains how information about the hobby is shared, including through their Facebook page, the Toy Farmer magazine, and word-of-mouth. He highlights the show's positive impact on the Grand Forks community, attracting visitors who stay in hotels and eat at local restaurants. He notes the significant increase in vendor bookings, from the initial 65 tables to approximately 120 currently.

Future Growth and Audience Diversification (11:20 - 18:00)

Looking ahead, Schlief discusses the show's potential for further growth, referencing the large regional show in Sioux Falls. He emphasizes the importance of attracting younger generations to the hobby, highlighting the educational and imaginative aspects of playing with farm toys. He acknowledges the diverse interests of attendees, from casual enthusiasts to serious collectors. He reiterates the goal of creating an entry point for younger individuals to engage with the hobby and continue its legacy.

Nostalgia and the Evolving Hobby (18:00 - 20:30)

Schlief emphasizes the nostalgic aspect of the farm toy hobby, sharing his own childhood memories of receiving toy combines and the joy of being able to purchase those same toys as an adult. He highlights the hobby's evolution, noting the blend of traditional craftsmanship (like brass and soldering) with modern techniques (such as 3D printing). He expresses admiration for the genuine, down-to-earth people involved in the hobby, which he considers a major draw.

Vendor Information and Contact (20:30 - 22:15)

Winmill inquires about vendor registration. Schlief directs potential vendors to the "Grand Forks Farm Toy Show" Facebook page and provides the contact information for his partner, Mike Ratty (218-791-5818). He clarifies that there is no charge for displaying farm toy collections, only for vendors selling merchandise.

Show Dates, Times, and Attendance Information (22:15 - 23:30)

Schlief provides the show's dates and times: Friday, March 28th, from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 29th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. He encourages attendees to check the show's Facebook page for updates and raffle information.

Concluding Remarks and Well Wishes (23:30 - 23:58)

Winmill thanks Schlief for sharing his passion and information about the show, wishing him a successful event and continued growth. Schlief expresses his appreciation for the opportunity to be on the podcast.