This weekend, the Branch County Fairgrounds hosts a first-of-its-kind show for the county.
Rigs & Relics is a multi-purpose historic transportation event that features a vehicle show, demonstrations, and a festival gathering those interested in preserving their story.
Each year, collectors and organizations showcase preserved fire apparatus, buses, military vehicles, and police vehicles that once served Michigan and neighboring states.
The event kicks off on Friday, June 26, with a scheduled roll-in and setup. Registered participants bring their vehicles, arrange displays, and engage in early swapping and coordination.
This day is dedicated to collectors and vendors preparing for the main event.
Saturday is the main public day. Visitors stroll among historic vehicles and connect with owners to learn about restoration and service history.
The day features a formal opening ceremony, a military flyover, and a vehicle parade.
Afternoon demonstrations include firefighter operations and K-9 units from the Branch County Sheriff’s Department.
Guests can enjoy fire safety presentations, firetruck rides, and meet-and-greet opportunities with special guests like The Little Firefighter Quinn.
In addition to the vehicle displays and demonstrations, the event includes a flea market and swap meet, artisan vendors, and multiple food trucks.
On Sunday, the schedule shifts to a shorter public viewing period and a pancake-breakfast fundraiser benefiting a local animal-support organization.
The event concludes in the afternoon, completing a three-day program focused on preservation, education, and community engagement around transportation history.
Cost is $5 per person, free for children 12 and younger.
Friday, June 26, 2026 – 3 – 8 p.m.
Participant & Setup Day
Saturday, June 27, 2026 – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Main Public Event Day
Special Guests
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Morning 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Pancake breakfast benefiting Pawsitive Pet Resources of Branch County
Public Hours -9 a.m. – noon: Final viewing of historic vehicles; Flea Market & Swap Meet continues
3 p.m. Event ends.
The event was put together by Vintage Media, a Port Huron publishing company for rare and collectible automobile, fire apparatus, and motor coaches.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Rigs & Relics brings historic vehicles to Branch County Fairgrounds
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter | USA TODAY Network
