This is part of High Plains Journal’s year end activities where HPJ staff members were asked to write a piece about a memorable story they wrote in 2023.
My favorite story of the year was the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion over Labor Day—an antique farm equipment show I attended in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.
I never knew how vibrant the community of antique farm equipment devotees was until now. It claims to be one of the largest such events in the country. People visit from every state in the union and numerous foreign countries. Visitors number around 35,000 to 40,000 each year at the five-day event that traditionally ends on Labor Day. The Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion claims an attendance of 80,000 over four days.
In addition to attractions, food and drink you might find at any farm fair, it features exhibits and contests of many antique steam tractors, threshers and other farm equipment on a 150-acre permanent venue. Its foundation also maintains the Richard E. Oetken Heritage Museum, which permanently houses antique equipment and supports a regular program of educational events for schools and groups focusing on the history of farming as well as other events throughout the year.
The Old Threshers event is assisted by dozens of volunteers. Everyone in Mount Pleasant takes part in some way or other. The weather was perfect this year, the staffers and volunteers were helpful and we look forward to going back next year. If my story helped spread some interest in it, I’ll be happy.
The story appeared Oct. 6 and is available online at https://hpj.com/2023/10/06/old-thresher-steam-event-draws-huge-crowds-to-iowa-town/
