Lake Metroparks Farmpark kicked off Horsepower Weekend Sept. 28 with its traditional thematic past-present connection. However, none of the exhibitions or festivities reflect the everyday throwaway accepted definition of “horsepower” — a unit of measurement of power, the rate at which work is done, generally related to the output of engines. Naturally, visitors to Lake Metroparks Farmpark during the property’s Horsepower Weekend enjoyed a variety of activities, including wagon rides throughout the grounds. (Chad Felton — The News-Herald) In fact, it’s a safe bet that calculated power, gauged or measured by the rate it takes to conduct work in generally moving hundreds of pounds in a specific time, isn’t the star of the Kirtland-based show. Technical meaning doesn’t remotely corral top billing during the staple event — the horses do, no matter how unheralded their work may seem, whether it be plodding, plowing or pulling. And that’s the point. Madison Township resident Ann Febel alights a 1927 IH Farmall Regular tractor during Horsepower Weekend (featuring Truck and Car Show) at Lake Metroparks Farmpark on Sept. 28. (Chad Felton — The News-Herald) Unlike the park system’s popular “HorseFest” celebration, dominated by prancing and specialized performance, among other activities, Horsepower focuses on the essential roles the so-called beasts of burden have historically done and continue to do. Touted as “a journey through time,” visitors witness the evolution of fieldwork and the growth of agricultural technology, tied to relatively modern and old-school rides and fieldwork equipment, principally thunderous muscle cars and displays of antique tractors. The weekend also has visitors try their hands at tilling behind one of Farmpark’s draft teams. “That’s what it’s all about,” said Farmpark Events Manager Andy McGovern. “And this weekend continues to morph, dedicated to focusing and showing the progression of farming from workers to animals to the machinery over the years that’s allowed it all to happen.” Attendees, of course, are also able to take advantage of photo opportunities and fall fun, including corn maze navigation, the Well Bred Shed, Corny Apple Bar, Dairy Parlor, and the property’s Truck and Car Show. Horsepower Weekend is included in Farmpark admission ($7 to $9). Farmpark members, children younger than 2, and active military and their families receive free admission. Horsepower Weekend continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29. For a complete list of activities, visit goto.lakemetroparks.com/horsepower-weekend. Lake Metroparks Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland.