Agricultural fun for all!

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Published on Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Photo by Diane Warner, courtesy of the Banner & Press archives

The past comes alive at the Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion as vintage equipment is lined up. Just about every piece of equipment from past farming days is on display.

By Cassandra Wehrhahn
Neepawa Banner & Press

The Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion & Stampede is returning to Austin for its 64th year July 26 to 29. The annual event, put on by the Manitoba Agricultural Museum, is a celebration of the province’s agricultural roots, history and pioneering spirit, as well as community and family.

In 2014, the event featured items such as a Sherman Tank, and an armoured John Deere Model A tractor that was experimented with by the USA after entry into World War II, as well as follow up designs proposed by John Deere.

In 2016 the reunion was home to a world record, as 750 volunteers on 139 antique threshing machines harvested a field simultaneously for 15 minutes and witnessed by nearly 8,000 people. The previous record had been 111 machines, and was held by a group from St. Albert, Ontario.

Last year’s event theme was “John Deere” in celebration of 180 years of John Deere, and was presented by the Enns Brothers. Multiple John Deere collectors also brought pieces from their own collections.

This year’s event is set to feature Canada’s largest collection of vintage farm equipment (featuring International Harvester), demonstrations of functioning steam and gas-powered machines, kids activities, live music throughout the day, the Manitoba Clydesdale Classic Show, daily Pioneer Power Parade, a nightly rodeo, and more. It’s expected to be another popular event, with International Harvester providing the theme for this year, and people are getting pretty excited.

“This is the first time in 20 years that we are hosting International Harvester,” Executive Director Anais Biernat stated. “Many people are pretty excited about seeing them here.”