Hay, even if you don't care for horses, the Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural Museum should have something for everyone this Saturday.

Though a live demonstration is at the heart of Draft Horse and Hay Day, visitors can also chat with a handful of town historians who will be on hand or check out the museum's newest exhibit.

The free event has long been a part of the museum's summer schedule.

“The museum started in 1975 and this probably started shortly thereafter,” museum director George Komer said.

Teams of horse will bale pre-cured hay spread on the museum's property “the old-fashioned way,” Komer said.

For Sennett farmer Charlie Minturn, the event will be similar to the work he does everyday with a bigger audience.

“It's a hobby, but I try to do as much farming with them as I can,” said Minturn, who will bring about three or four teams along with him to the museum Saturday.

It's a more peaceful method of farming compared to modern tractor fare, he said. The passion for horses runs in his blood.

“My father had a team of horses when I was born, we've always had horses and we're always going to have them,” Minturn said.

The wagon rides that have helped make the museum's other draw, the Old Ways Day in June, such a success will also be available Saturday.

“They love riding the horses and wagon,” Komer said.

Once again, the town historians who took center stage during last year's rain out will be back to answer questions visitors might have. The unofficial convention usually gets the museum floor humming.

“They may not get a big crowd, but the people that come in really get into it,” Komer said.

The museum frequently collaborates with town historians, about eight of whom will show up Saturday, Komer said.

A display of historical Main Street shots from nearly every town in Cayuga County that historians put together last year also will make an appearance.

The upcoming weekend is a good opportunity to see the museum's newest display.

“We have a real attraction inside that we just put in this year,” Komer said. “It's a model of a maple syrup operation.”

The child-friendly display covers the process from forest to distiller.

Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at

253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net

If you go

What: Draft Horse and Hay Day

Where: Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural Museum, 6880 East Lake Road, Auburn

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (Sunday rain date)

Cost: Free

For details: Call 252-7644