Antique tractors, steam-powered engines in Symco
By Holly Neumann
The 56th annual Union Thresheree will be held Friday to Sunday, July 28-30, at E6231 State Highway 22, Symco.
“This is a family-friendly event,” said Gary Knuth, president of the Union Thresherman’s Club, which organizes the event. “The uniqueness of the grounds makes this event special. There is even a little town, including stores, a church, a school and a bank and so much more. For the size of our grounds, we have a lot to see.”
The event will feature Rumley tractors, equipment and garden tractors.
Gates will open at 7 a.m. each day with breakfast served from 7 to 9 a.m. and demonstrations taking place each day.
Events scheduled for July 28 include an improved and modified antique tractor pull beginning at noon, with scales opening at 10 a.m.; and music by FM Rodeo from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Activities planned for July 29 include a kids’ pedal pull, at 9:30 a.m., with weigh-in to start at 8:30 a.m.; an antique tractor pull at 9 a.m., with registration and scales open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.; an adult pedal tractor pull at 8 p.m. at the Unionville Saloon; and music from Ask Your Mother from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The final day includes a church service at 7:30 a.m. at Unionville Church; a garden tractor pull from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; and an antique chainsaw contest at 3 p.m.
“This year, we are also hoping to have our 600-horsepower stationary steam engine up and running as well,” Knuth said.
Other activities and demonstrations include a rug weaver in the north log cabin, wool spinners, combining grains, threshing grain, rock crushing, silo filling and more.
“We are educating our spectators on how things were done in the past,” Knuth said.