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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Midwest Old Threshers Reunion
Traditions continue with the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The Midwest Old Threshers grounds are some of the most trafficked area in Mt. Pleasant, being home to some of the county’s most popular events for the last 75 years. The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, which was first held in September 1950, has grown into the most attended event in Henry County. Folks from all over the world come to Mt. Pleasant to get a taste of the “good ol’ days” and see some of the best equipment from the era.
Old Threshers is a big deal in Mt. Pleasant with schools letting out early the Wednesday before Labor day for the Harvest Parade and giving students the rest of the weekend off to volunteer and enjoy the reunion.
With the reunion running through Labor Day, spectators will have many opportunities to get a good look at the large selection of tractors, steam engines, and cars during the daily Cavalcade of Power.
Looking to slow down and enjoy yesteryear? The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion also features the Log Village, which will transport visitors into Mt. Pleasant’s pioneer days. Guests can play old times games, make candles and learn about life on the plains. And if you’re lucky (or unlucky) you may get stuck in the middle of the gunfight between a band of thieves and the Reunion’s Sheriff.
There’s bound to be music anywhere you go during the Reunion. Nightly concerts feature billboard chart topping musicians and there are musical acts all around the grounds during the day, which are often free entertainment.
But it’s not just during the Reunion that the Midwest Old Thrashers attracts a crowd. People travel from across the tri-state area for a good scare during the Threshers House of Terror and Haunted Rails in October.
Wanting something a little more cheerful? Then come back to the grounds during the wintertime for the annual Festival of Lights. And throughout the year there’s the “smile machine.” A fully-restored antique carousel, which is powered by a Herschell-Spillman steam engine that dates back over a century.
The Midwest Old Threshers grounds are also home to the Heritage Museum and the Theatre Museum.
