HARTSGROVE TOWNSHIP – Air quality alerts and off-and-on threats of heavy rain conspired to depress the turnout for the Hartsgrove Power Show Friday and Saturday, July 17-18, according to organizers.
Terry Chapman, committee chair for the show, said 2026 was the most thinly attended Power Show so far – its fifth – but seemed to take it in stride.
“It went well,” he said. “I think a lot of people were scared, between the smoke Friday and Saturday and the weather.”
Air quality alerts were active across a broad stretch of the northeast Ohio as smoke from hundreds of active Canadian wildfires drifted south and east. High concentrations of fine particulate matter triggered health warnings ranging from “unhealthy for sensitive groups” to “hazardous” levels over the weekend.
The National Weather Service also issued several warnings for heavy rain and/or thunderstorms over the weekend.
Taken together, Chapman said he felt people who normally would’ve attended the Hartsgrove Power Show may have opted to stay home for their health and safety in the case of the air quality and to avoid rust and to protect their vehicles’ spotless finishes in the case of heavy rain.
“I wouldn’t want to take my car out in that, either,” Chapman said.
Lawn mower pulls, horse pulls and pedal pulls were among the scheduled attractions. Demonstrations, entertainment, food and vendors were also at the event, offering something for visitors of all ages and interests.
One of the biggest additions to this year’s Power Show was farm stock tractor pulling. The new event brought full-size farm tractors into competition with a full-size transfer sled.
The event, sponsored by Hartsgrove Township, also featured several arts-and-crafts vendors, food and a beer garden, operated by Animal Welfare Center of Ashtabula County, offering brews from Darkroom Brewing Co.
Organizers are already looking forward to and planning the next Hartsgrove Power Show, and Chapman said people with ideas for next year’s event should email info@hartsgroveevents.org.
“We appreciate the support from the community, Hartsgrove Township and our trustees for making it happen, because without their support, it wouldn’t,” he said. “I’m happy with everyone who came out, We’re hopeful for next year.”
