ABERDEEN, Ohio — Police Chief David Benjamin said that its been years since the village of Aberdeen offered Court Days.

Nobody would step forward and do the event, according to Benjamin.

“Nobody wanted to take the bull by the horns and return Court Days back to the area,” said Benjamin.

But the citizens of Aberdeen decided that it was time and the event was held this past weekend. Vendors lined Front Street along the banks of the Ohio River selling their wares. Crafts of all types, fresh apples, apple butter, honey, and even late tomatoes from the garden were available for visitors.

Burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches and barbecue were offered to those who brought with them an appetite.

Parked within the confines of the park was a steam locomotive.

So it seemed.

A closer look revealed that it looked somewhat like a vintage steamer but turned out to be a handmade steam engine grill.

Claude Highfield, a retired boilermaker from Mason County, built the steam engine over the summer in four short months.

“I used to be a boilermaker and knew I could do it if I put my mind to it,” replied Highfield.

Claude Highfield is the son of the late Bud and Winnie Highfield of Maysville, the couple that owned the historic Trip Trap covered bridge that sat in front of their home along Kentucky 10, east of Maysville. The bridge was later demolished by flash flooding in July of last year.

“My dad taught me how to use my head and taught me many skills,” Highfield said. “I figured if he could build a covered bridge, I could put together this steam locomotive.”

And he did. The project took most of the summer to build and was finished just in time for Mount Sterling Court Days.

To attract attention to the one-of-a-kind grill, he rings a genuine locomotive bell that he acquired from an 1800’s locomotive.

Highfield was assisted by his wife, Judy.

“She helps me keep things moving. Taking orders and money taking,” he said.

I have always wondered how the Trip Trap bridge got its name. Claude explained the naming of the bridge.

“Have you ever read Three Billy Goats Gruff? Well the sound that the goats made crossing the bridge was trip, trap, trip trap,” he said.

Question answered.

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Staff Report