Big crowds enjoy Threshers Reunion

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

There was plenty to enjoy during the Labor Day weekend at the 59th annual Thresher’s Reunion.

Organized by the Cedar Valley Engine Club, the three-day event enjoyed good crowds and hospitable weather as people came out to examine the collection of classic tractors.

“It’s been fantastic,” said club President Kelly Barnett. “Mother nature has cooperated really well.”

With more than 200 antique tractors on display, including an assortment of featured brand International Harvester, the Thresher’s Reunion offered machine enthusiasts the opportunity to check out the historical agriculturally related tools.

From the daily tractor parade to tractor pulls to demonstrations, there were many ways to see the antiques in action.

One of the highlights of the year was a 1916 Case 65 HP steam engine.

Originally bought new by Wilbur Witzel of Floyd County’s Ulster Township, the steam engine has been passed down and sold multiple times over the last century until recently being purchased by Steve Montag and brought back to Floyd County.

Paired up with a 1923 Aultman-Taylor wooden threshing machine, the steam engine ran flawlessly throughout the weekend as it was put to work doing thresher demonstrations.

Barnett says he hopes the event helps inspire the next generation of collectors by giving them the opportunity to get hands-on with the antique machines. He said he enjoys seeing young children get a chance to take the wheel on tractors they may otherwise never be exposed to.

“That, to me, makes my show,” said Barnett. “Hopefully we’ll be able to nurture the next generation of collectors in the hobby.”

Outside of tractors there were plenty of other historical attractions to enjoy. Antique gas engines powering washing machines and well pumps were on display, blacksmithing demonstrations showed ironworking in action, and the historical school house and general store offered a glimpse at life in the early 1900s.

Every day featured a “barn talk” where special guests gave presentations on topics like service dogs, animal trapping, and genealogy.

And, like every year, there were plenty of vendors lined up along the grounds with tools, books, collectables, a puppy or two, and more for shoppers to browse around.

The silent auction was enormously successful, bringing in a record amount to help support the club’s activities.

Throughout the day people relaxed in the shade at the band shell, enjoying popcorn and homemade ice cream from the general store while listening to live music.

Pleasant weather encouraged strong turnout for each day of the three-day event, drawing in families from far and wide to see the sights.

“The crowd has been very good,” said Barnett. “It’s always surprising where people come in from.”

Barnett said he is glad to see strong support for the Thresher’s Reunion event and is grateful to the club and the many volunteers who contributed to putting on this year’s show.

“Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do all that we do,” said Barnett.

Looking ahead to next year, the engine club will be celebrating the 60th year of the Threshers Reunion by making Oliver/Hart-Parr tractors the featured brand, with a special emphasis on other Iowa made machines.