“I think we will bring earmuffs for the kids next time,” Wodonga father Scott Costello said.

His daughter Chloe was using her hands to cover her ears, but Mr Costello said a train ride for children made up for all the loud noises.

The Border Steam and Oil Engine Club’s annual Easter event attracted more than 500 people over the weekend.

Club president Peter Lawrence believed the event’s success was down to the abundance of agricultural heritage in the area.

“The older generation like showing the younger ones and even if they have never operated one, they had the memories of them,” he said.

“It’s also about having a balance for the generations.

“The steam train for the kids is always a big drawcard.”

Staghorn Flat’s Daryl Fulford is a regular with his portable engines, one Blackstone oil engine dating back to 1916.

The Yackandandah Vintage Engine Club member was hoping to have his battery plant, used to crush rock and extract gold in the Yackandandah area in the 1920s, on display.

“I have been restoring it for the past two years,” Mr Fulford said.

“It wasn’t quite ready, but it will be ready to go and here next year.”