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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Parade kicks off Midwest Old Threshers Reunion
Midwest Old Threshers celebrated its kickoff Wednesday with the annual Harvest Day Parade.
Hundreds of people crowded onto East Washington Street to witness the parade, the majority with kids waiting for an ample amount of candy to be thrown their way.
“I think a main reason we have parades is to involve our kids,” parade attendee Allison Jacobs said. “I think it’s very important to involve the younger generation in Old Threshers. If we can keep the younger generation excited we can keep the momentum we’ve had.
The parade has long been a staple to mark the beginning of the yearly festival. It gives festival goers a chance to see what Midwest Old Threshers is all about. This includes an abundance of cars, trucks, marching bands, tractors and steam engines.
“It’s great to not only have the parade, but Old Threshers back,” Jacobs said. “We had some economical issues last year due to COVID-19. It not only raises revenue in the town and brings other people in where you get to listen to their stories, but it boost the moral of the whole region.”
One most memorable moments of the parade comes from the various types of tractors and steam engines, which come in all shapes and sizes, from the early to mid 1900s. It’s not something you see everyday, but Old Threshers does not disappoint.
As the shrill steam engine whistles sounded paradegoers covered their ears.
Besides being a great way to mark the beginning of Old Threshers, and show off the old machinery, the parade gives people an opportunity to promote their businesses or organizations.
The cavalcade began with the Mt. Pleasant police leading the way, followed by the Mt. Pleasant Community High School marching band. Dancers followed close behind showing off their moves.
Iowa Wesleyan College made an appearance with the cheerleaders and football players.
Other organizations featured included, Innovairre, Sanity Coffee, State Farm, Community 1st Credit Union, and many more.
This years Miss Sweet Sixteen and Seventeen nominees were also present.
Midwest Old Threshers Reunion continues through Monday.
Comments: (319) 931-3393; hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com
The Harvest Day Parade has long been staple of Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)
Many younger kids were seen in the parade, much like these dancers. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)
The Mt. Pleasant Community High School marching band provided music while marching in the parade. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)
Mt. Pleasant Community High School has long been an important part of the Harvest Day Parade. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)
The parade gives onlookers an opportunity to see those what Old Threshers has to offer. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)
A steam engine makes its way down the street. The older engines are a staple at the reunion. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)
Iowa Wesleyan University President Christine Plunkett makes her way down the street. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)
A horse and carriage journey down the street. Horses are one of the many sights at the parade. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)
Along with steam engines, older cars and trucks are also a major part of the parade and reunion. (Hunter Moeller/The Union)
