Pioneer Power Inc. will present its 37th annual "Good Old Days and Threshing Show" this Saturday and Sunday.
"I think one thing that a lot of people enjoy is watching the threshing. A lot of them remember it, growing up on the farm,"?said Pioneer Power President Arlan Gustafson.
But threshing is just the beginning; the two day event will feature a wide variety of historic agricultural demonstrations, crafts and activities for the whole family.
The event is located on the grounds of Minnesota's Machinery Museum in Hanley Falls. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. both days with exhibits and demonstrations until 5 p.m. In addition to the threshing demos, visitors will be able to check out corn shelling and silage cutting, a miniature saw mill, cedar shingle making, lathe making, rope making, wood carving and rug weaving. Antique machinery dating mostly from the 1920s through the 1960s will be on display, and possibly even a few pieces from the late 1800s, Gustafson said. A blacksmith's forge and horseshoeing demos will also be up and running.
Gustafson said the museum building, along with the other buildings housing antique tractors, cars and stationary engines, will be open from morning to evening. Quilt displays, a craft show and flea market will be set up in and near the museum. The building itself is historic, he said. It was the elementary and high school up until 1968.
"I went to school there myself, all 12 years," Gustafson said. "We came up with the idea of using it for a museum. It's really something to see. We're really proud of it." The museum is handicap accessible.
The weekend features a different brand of tractors each year, Gustafson said. This year will feature John Deere and Waterloo Boy tractors and gas engines.
"International and John Deere are the two main companies making tractors," said Gustafson. "Next year we'll feature International." New this year, there will also be vintage snowmobiles on display.
There will be a parade both days at 1:30, Gustafson said.
"Sometimes it can be anywhere from 50 or 60, up to 70 or 80 (vehicles)," he said. "We also have live music during the day."
A variety of tunes including old-time songs and polka will be provided by the Howard Hansen Band.
"We've had him before and the crowds really enjoy it," said Gustafson.
Kids' activities are also part of the weekend, including a barrel train throughout the weekend and a kids' pedal tractor pull Sunday at 10 a.m. Both the young and the young at heart can enjoy homemade ice cream, made using a John Deere engine. Meals will be available on the grounds.
"Our food stand is run by our local church, Yellow Medicine Lutheran. They do a really good job," Gustafson said.
Saturday will feature an antique tractor pull including pre-1960 tractors. The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. and located a short distance off the museum grounds, at the campground, Gustafson said. Drivers must be age 15 or older. Prizes will be awarded.
Sunday will start with a church service at 8:30 a.m., and the activities continue throughout the day. The weekend will close with the garden tractor pull at 4 p.m.
Participants are welcome to register their vehicles the day of the event. There is no charge to register. Daily admission for spectators is $6 per day. Children under 12 get in free.
For show information call 507-768-3530. For feature information call 507-829-3221. For craft and flea market information call 507-337-1099.
Schedule
Saturday
7:30 a.m. Gates open. Demonstrations, exhibits and entertainment throughout the day.
1:30 p.m. Parade
4:30 p.m. Antique tractor pull
Sunday
7:30 a.m. Gates open. Demonstrations, exhibits and entertainment throughout the day.
8:30 a.m. Sunday worship service
9:30 a.m. Kids pedal pull registration
10 a.m. Kids' pedal pull
1:30 p.m. Parade
4 p.m. Garden tractor pull