OWLS HEAD -- People who love antique trucks of all shapes and sizes will not want to miss the Owls Head Transportation Museum's Antique Truck & Tractor and Aeroplane Show on Saturday and Sunday July 19-20. Also featured will be commercial and military vehicles, as well as vintage earth-moving construction equipment.

More than 250 antique trucks and tractors from all over New England are expected for the event, including members of the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society. Anyone with a pre-1988 truck or tractor may exhibit free of charge.

An antique tractor parade for young and old will be part of the Truck, Tractor & Antique Aeroplane Show this Saturday and Sunday at the Owls Head Transportation Museum.

"The Truck & Tractor Meet is always a crowd-pleaser," says Museum Director Charles Chiarchiaro. "Whether it's a large 18-wheeler or an antique pick-up truck, these vehicles always put smiles on people's faces. Young children are particularly enamored with large trucks." Youngsters can perfect their own driving skills in the Museum's special "Kids Korral" driving area featuring pedal cars, tractors and planes.

Tractors will be a featured attraction Saturday and Sunday during an antique tractor parade. Everything from vintage garden tractors to John Deere farm tractors are invited to make a tour around the Museum's tarmac.

The Museum is also inviting owners of military vehicles and commercial vehicles to be part of the event. This show traditionally draws some unique commercial vehicles as well, including vintage fire trucks, ambulances and delivery vans.

Members of the Maine Antique Power Association have also been invited to display and demonstrate their engines during the 2-day event.

The Lincolnville Band will perform Saturday at 11:15 am with a rain date of Sunday.

The antique aeroplane show will begin at 9:30 a.m., weather permitting, and will feature flyovers by the Museum's 1916 Royal Aircraft Factory FE.8, 1917 Sopwith Pup, 1917 Nieuport, 1917 SPAD and 1923 Fokker C.IV, among others. An open flightline will allow visitors to get an up-close look at the planes as well as talk to the pilots.

The Museum will auction off rides aboard its 1941 Stearman and 1933 Waco biplanes. Rides are good for one year and are transferable. The Stearman carries one passenger, the Waco carries two.

Rain or shine, visitors will have access to the Museum's indoor collection of dozens of antique cars and pioneer aeroplanes. There will also be a tour of "The Tin Lizzie in Maine" exhibition -- a 100th anniversary tribute to the automobile that revolutionized an industry, celebrating its versatility and impact on the Pine Tree State.

In addition, there will be active demonstrations of turn-of-the-century automobiles, free rides in a Model T Ford, and special children's activities, as well as the pedal cars and plane in the secure Kids Corral area.

Event admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children under 12 and $30 for families. Children under 5 are free. Food and refreshments will be available at the Squeaky Wheel. The Museum Store will also be open.

Gates open at 9:30 am. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early. Pets are not allowed in the Museum or outdoor exhibit area.

Open daily, year round, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is located on Rt. 73, two miles south of Rockland. For more information on Museum events, call 594-4418 or visit the Museum online at www.owlshead.org