The McLouth Threshing Bee is one of the longest running old time threshing bees in the nation, now celebrating 58 years.
“Come visit our annual threshing bee and all of the related activities Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19-20, at the show grounds in McLouth,” welcomed Tim Hays, director of the Heart of America Antique Steam Engine and Model Association.
“This year, we are proud to have tractors of the 1970s as the feature tractor of the show. You won’t want to miss seeing these machines in action,” Hays said.
“The McLouth Threshing Bee was started in the 1950s when a local man by the name of Slim Watson had the idea to invite people out to his home, serve them some food, and give a little demonstration on how his farm equipment worked. It was a really big hit, has continued since that time, and with the help of many the tradition is continuing today,” Hays said.
“This special attraction helps to keep alive the art of planting, harvesting, threshing and storing of grain forage crops, along with the domestic arts, and the tools, implements, instruments and machinery showing the culture of pioneer days,” Hays continued.
“Educational and historical exhibits and displays are illustrated through reenactments with the working machinery,” he added
In addition to threshing daily at 10 o’clock, and again at 2 o’clock, there will be a flea market open all three days, as well as a rock crusher, corn picking and shelling, an operating sawmill, earth moving demonstration and miniature train rides throughout the show.
The Parade of Power, at 1 o’clock, Saturday, Sept. 19, will also feature a Drive-In Car Show, and the Pedal Tractor Pull begins at 5 o’clock.
Two tracks are planned for the antique, classic, farm stock, out-of-field, two-wheel, drive, four-by-four, diesel four-by-four truck and tractor pulls, beginning at 4 o’clock Saturday, featuring the Red Rock and Crazy Man sleds.
Sunday’s highlight is the Garden Tractor Pull at 1 o’clock.
Admission to the 58th annual McLouth Threshing bee is free for all spectators as well as exhibitors with no charge for coolers either, although no glass bottles will be allowed.
Likewise, donations have been welcomed to keep the show continuing for years and decades to come.
Overnight camping sites are available, although seating is limited, with those attending asked to bring lawn chairs.
Information is available at www.mclouththreshingbee.com, and on Facebook.
