Four musical acts announced for Midwest Old Threshers

MT. PLEASANT — Midwest Old Threshers announced this year’s musical lineup consisting of four completely new acts.

“There have been 199 different acts performed at Midwest Old Threshers since … 1970,” Midwest Old Threshers Chief Executive Officer Terry McWilliams said. “This year you’re going to see 200, 201, 202, and 203, four brand-new acts.”

As the announcement video played sweet memories of Old Threshers’ past, the audience cheers grew with each announcement of the next acts to grace the stage.

Thursday, Aug. 31, the Reunion will kick off with Crystal Gayle.

According to Midwest Old Threshers, Gayle’s 50 year career contains 68 singles including “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and “Talking in Your Sleep.”

Through her distinguished career, Gayle has earned her Grand Ole Opry and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Again, clapping and cheers erupted in the Temple Theater as the video revealed Friday, Sept. 4 Easton Corbin will take the stage.

Many fans appreciate Corbin’s traditional country sound which brought listeners songs “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It.”

Corbin’s accolades include over 20 million streams on Spotify, two number-one singles, and several award nominations including the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Crowds will enjoy entertainment from Joe Nichols, Saturday, Sept. 2.

Nichols will offer a blend of traditional country sound with a modern twist; Midwest Old Threshers described.

He has four Grammy nominations and two Country Music Awards.

McWilliams says he knows that they made a good choice when he saw the audience singing along to Nichols’ music video for “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” during the lineup announcement.

Dylan Scott will round out the entertainment on the KILJ Stage, Sunday, Sept. 3.

Scott is known for his songs “New Truck” and “Nobody” which have assisted in building his online streams to 56 million.

“What do you think about that?” McWilliams asked those attending the Alive After 5.

Hoots, hollers, and applause filled the room with approval.

“I’m really excited about the entertainment,” McWilliams said. “This year, having four brand-new ones is really exciting.”

He also took this opportunity to announce the Harvest Parade grand marshals Bob and Peggy Gilchrist of Springville, Illinois.

“Bob and Peggy have been on our board for many years,” McWilliams said. “They’re still involved and own tractors and steam engines.”

“It’s just exciting to be able to honor those two for being part of Old Threshers for as many years as they have been,” he said.

McWilliams gave a brief overview of the upcoming season for Old Threshers.

“We have folks that come back and help us do the event from all over the country and all over the Midwest,” McWilliams said. “We have visitors from all over the world that come to the reunion.”

According to McWilliams, the Reunion sees visitors from England, Australia and across the world.

“It’s little old Mt. Pleasant, and people know us worldwide,” he said with a grin.

“We’re going to do it all again like we always do,” McWilliams said. “We have all kinds of special events and things we’re going to host this year. We’re hosting birthday parties, we’re hosting weddings.”

“We’re going to host a private party this year on June 24 for Sinclair Tractor’s 25th anniversary corporate party,” he continued. “It is a private party, but they estimate 10-15 thousand people.”

“We’re going to do the swap meet, we’re going to do all of our great things,” McWilliams added. “We have school tours already set up for kids.”

Excitement for the upcoming Midwest Old Threshers season filled the Temple Theater as faces adorned with smiles spoke in loud, excited tones about what is to come.

Tickets for Midwest Old Threshers are available at shop.oldthreshers.com or by calling (319) 385-8937

From now until May 31, guests may purchase multi-day gate admission to the 2023 Reunion for $25. Beginning June 1 prices increase to $35.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com