Antique tractors, live music featured

By Holly Neumann

Antique tractor pulls and vintage machines are among the highlights at the Union Thresheree set for Friday through Sunday, July 27-29, in Symco.

“It is an educational experience of the past,” said Gary Knuth, president of the Union Thresherman’s Club. “There is so much to see. I hope that our guests take away how things were done when their parents or grandparents used to do this. And it creates some new memories.”

There will be demonstrations on rock crushing, trashing grain, corn shelling, silo filling, lumber sawing and shingle making.

“It takes you back to the simplicity of life,” LuAnne Knuth said. “Check out everything while you are there. There is spinning in the log cabin, rug weaving and quilt displays. Get your whole family involved in the activities. It is a lot of fun for everyone.”

Visitors may spend time in the town of Unionville that includes a barbershop, fire station, print shop, general store, school, church, blacksmith shop and post office, as a replica to stores of days gone by.

The Antique National Tractor Pull will also take place.

“This is one of the largest in the state,” said Gary. “On average, over 250 or more pullers participate.”
Prizes are awarded in each of the classes.

Adult and kiddy pedal tractor pulls will also take place.

Attendees young and old will have the opportunity to drive a first tractor.

According to Gary, the late Larry Werth gets credit for being instrumental in the starting of the Thresheree.

“This little town and this show was his dream,” said Gary. “The Union Thresherman’s Club is here to keep his dream going. He would be proud of where we are today.”

The Thresheree grounds are located at E6361 State Highway 22, north of Manawa.

Admission is $5 per day. There is no charge for children age 12 and under. Veterans are admitted free with ID.

Concessions are available on the grounds.

Schedule of Events

July 27
• Gates open at 7 a.m.
• Breakfast 7-9 a.m.
• Demonstrations throughout the day
• Midnight-Music by Road Trip at 8 p.m.

July 28
• Breakfast 7-9 a.m.
• Kiddy Pull Weigh-ins at 8:30 a.m.
• Kids Pedal Pull at 9:30 a.m.
• Antique Tractor Pull at 11 a.m.
• Registration 7-10 a.m.
• Bingo 1:30 p.m.
• Demonstrations throughout the day
• Music by Derek Joseph at 8 p.m.
• Adult Pedal Pull starts at 9 p.m.

July 29
• Breakfast 7-9 a.m.
• Service at 7 a.m. Unionville Church
• Grounds open at 9 a.m.
• Parade at 11:30 a.m.
• Field Demonstrations
• Bluegrass music 1-4 p.m.
• Antique Chain Saw Contest at 3 p.m.
• Kid’s Activities 1:30-3 p.m.