PONTIAC, Ill. — The 58th annual Threshermen’s Reunion and Parade in Pontiac is set for Aug. 31 to Sept. 4.

The event brings together lovers of “old iron” from across the Midwest and around the world.

“We are proud to be the host community for the second-oldest show in the United States,” said Pontiac Mayor Scott McCoy. “Bring the entire family and enjoy the Threshermen’s Parade on Sunday, Sept. 3. Enjoy over 100 entries including steam engines, antique tractors, floats, local bands, horses and many other types of entertainment.”

Daily attractions during the festival, at Threshermen’s Park on Route 23 two miles north of Pontiac, include a general store, 1900 country schoolhouse, Singer sawmill, 1910-era blacksmith’s shop, 1920 Conoco gas station, and a craft show, flea market and food concessions.

Primitive camping sites are available, though limited; call Emily Burton at 815-844-3317 to make reservations.

Opening ceremonies get underway at 10 a.m., Aug. 31, followed by sawmill and threshing exhibitions beginning at 11 a.m.

Sept. 1 is Education Day and features sheep shearing, baling, threshing, the Parade of Power, a local pickup truck pull, an antique tractor pull, bingo and country music from Battle Creek.

Sept. 2 activities include an open horse show, Irish dancers, pedal car pull, the “taste of sweet corn,” a pedal-tractor pull, country music and, of course, threshing.

Antique cars and trucks will be on display on Sept. 3. A church service will be at 9 a.m., with highlights including a garden tractor pull, a tractor/semi truck pull, and more sweet corn and threshing. The annual Threshermen’s Parade will commence at 1:15 p.m. in downtown Pontiac.

Sept. 3 will feature a membership tractor pull, a horse show, gaming, and more threshing, sawing, and baling before the event breaks up sometime after 3 p.m.

The daily gate fee is $5, with ages 13 and under admitted free.

Transportation from the parking lot at Threshermen’s Park to exhibits/events will be provided by “people mover,” or golf carts are available for daily rental.

For more information, call Pontiac’s tourism office at 815-844-5847 or visit the festival’s website at www.threshermensreunion.org

This farm news was published in the July 19, 2006 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.