For 60 years, the Yorkton Threshermen’s Club has been thrilling audiences with reenactments of the pioneer skills, methods and techniques that built this province.
The 60th Threshermen’s Show and Seniors’ Festival takes place this Saturday and Sunday at the Western Development Museum.
Demonstrations of skills such as threshing, sawmilling, blacksmithing, grain grinding and rolled oats milling will give attendees an glimpse of the hard work put into harvest during the early part of the 20th century.
Of course, it wasn’t just farming that made a pioneer family successful. In the early days, very few things were store bought.
Ice cream-making and bread-baking are just two of the homemade delights to be found at the show.
The York Colony Quilters Guild will also be on hand to demonstrate that essential skill of Saskatchewan heritage.
Of course, a perennial favourite part of the weekend is the stooking competition. With today’s massive equipment and modern methods, youngsters (meaning the under 80 crowd) would hardly have had occasion to recognize that ubiquitous Saskatchewan symbol without these kinds of heritage events.
Other highlights of the show include the Antique Car and Tractor Competition, the Story of Harvest, plowing demonstrations and the hobby and handicraft sale.
There will also be a special 60th Anniversary exhibit, the details of which organizers are currently keeping under their hats.
For the kids there will be, as usual, old-fashioned games, horse-drawn wagon rides and the popular Pedal Tractor Pull.
And, of course, the bandstand will be hopping all day both days, including the traditional hymn sing and pancake breakfast Sunday morning.
The show runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. August 1 and 2.
