Old Threshers Reunion opens Thursday

It’s that time of year again in Mt. Pleasant. The Midwest Old Threshers Reunion is about to begin.

The festival returns after being canceled last year for the first time in its 71-year history.

Paul Martin, 92, who has been showing his 1947 Case VAO tractor since the 1980s, is excited to be back.

“I just had both knees replaced this year, and I’m here,” Martin said.” I have been coming here since the ‘80s, and I’ll tell you it’s good to be back.”

Much like years past, there is an abundance of activities taking place throughout its five-day span.

While most of the events take place Thursday through Monday, the Harvest Day Parade is the first and official kickoff event of the Reunion.

The parade, which starts at 3:30 Wednesday, gives attendees just a sliver of what the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion has to offer.

Paradegoers will see cars and trucks, tractors, steam engines, horses, marching bands, Sweet 16 candidates, and much more throughout the parades.

The parade starts on South Walnut Street then journeys down East Washington Street toward the square, ending on South Jefferson Street.

Also taking place on Wednesday is The Don Carlson Memorial Horse Pull. The pull begins at 7 p.m. in front of the grandstands on the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion grounds.

It cost $5 per person after 6 p.m., or the event is included with the $35 multiple-day wristband. Weigh-in begins at 4 p.m.

Around 15 teams will be participating in the pull. The winner will walk away with $3,000.

Starting on Thursday, the Reunion kicks into high gear. Shuttle buses to downtown, along with parking lots, start services as early as 6 a.m.

The ground trains begin operation at 7:30 a.m.

At 9 a.m. every day, Jeff McPheron will lead a greeting and devotion.

The grandstand official reunion opening will take place at 11:30. Chief Executive Officer Terry McWilliams will lead the opening, while Mayor Steve Brimhall will welcome visitors to Mt. Pleasant.

Following the presentation, the Mt. Pleasant Military Color Guard and Mt. Pleasant High School Panther Marching Band will present the national anthem at 11:55 a.m. The national anthem will be presented by different groups each day: Friday, New London High School Marching Band; Saturday, Mt. Pleasant Teachers; Sunday, Ahern Family; Monday, Mt. Pleasant High School Marching Band.

McWilliams and marketing director Grant Davidson will present the Midwest Old Threshers Volunteer Awards at 11:20.

Throughout the five-day festival, numerous demonstrations will take place. These include cement block making, rock crushing and buzz saw demonstrations, horse demonstrations, and steam and tractor demonstrations, to name a few.

There are several activities for children, too. Examples include a puppet show, a spelling bee, the carousel pavilion, and the Windy Acres Pony Rides.

On Monday, Sept. 6, the last day of the event, the crowning of Miss Sweet 16 will occur at 10 a.m.

Rounding out the night are the live music performances, this year being headlined by Lorrie Morgan, Carly Pearce, Craig Morgan and Rodney Atkins. Performances begin at 8 p.m.

Spokesman Grant Davidson says he’s looking forward to this year, especially after missing out on the Reunion last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m really excited,” Davidson said. I feel like this year’s going to be a lot like 2019, busy. So far, there are only around two spots left in our reserved section for Carly Pearce, and all the other performances are sold out.”

So far, it looks as if the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion is set for a good year. A record number of campers have already solidified their spot on the grounds. Much like Martin, this is partly due to missing out on Old Threshers last year for Davidson.

“I think everyone’s excited to see each other after not seeing one another for almost two years now. It’s been a long time coming.”