After a day of torrential rains and a morning that started out cold and clammy, the sun finally shone on the fields behind James McClure's farm on Halso Mill Road last Saturday.

The old dairy farm had ceased its operations years ago. But hundreds turned out to see the place come alive again with the sights, sounds and smells of life on the farm as Old Time Farm Day returned to Butler

County.

&#8220It's good to see so many folks out here again,” McClure said with a smile as he rambled through the crowd.

Attendees turned out to see dozens of restored vintage tractors, from Farmalls and Fords to the familiar green and yellow of John Deere. They came to enjoy an old-fashioned wagon ride across the field, where handsome mules pulled plows just as they did &#8220back in the day.”

Strains of bluegrass music wafted on the cool winds as folks lined up for freshly cooked burgers and hot dogs at the barn-turned concession stand.

Children squealed with delight as they explored the two-story &#8220chicken coop,” pedaled miniature tractors in races and petted miniature horses in pens.

Adults reminisced as they watched the cane syrup-making operation nearby.

&#8220Look at that mule. Isn't that a fine-looking animal,” Merle Newton of Greenville exclaimed as she and daughter Cherry Mosley headed into the event.

Glenn King's little mill, driven by a John Deere tractor engine, drew attention as it ground corn on site. Young helpers, fascinated by the Georgiana resident's unfamiliar machine, shucked corn and sent it into the feeder.

John Boggan of Greenville and his family members returned to the event to weave their hand-made baskets. &#8220Something made right here in Butler

County,” a satisfied customer said after purchasing one of the Boggans' creations.

Butler County Old-Time Farm Day: another successful down-home event.