What's a Threshing Bee?

The Northern Illinois Steam Power Club holds one every year, so if you want to know what a threshing bee is, it’s best to experience it by attending. The club held its 20th annual steam power and threshing bee event last week and we went on Saturday. There was a little actual threshing going on, but it was heavy with steam and gasoline engine exhibits and rows and rows of old tractors to check out; sort of like those Corvette shows held in McDonalds’ parking lots where owners sit by their cars. Instead, prideful antique tractor owners were on hand to answer inquisitive on-lookers questions. It appeared the John Deeres and Farmalls were vying for best-in-show. 

Six dollars per person, special senior rate on Thursday, kids free: Grilled corn, barb-b-cue, popcorn, pony and wagon rides, parade. Then a storm blows in two hours later. The flea market vendors cover their stuff, fold up the tents; the pony rides cease; and the crowd heads for their cars. And it’s a darn shame because it actually was fun. 

If you’re thinking of joining the back-to-the-land movement and want to go the homestead route, this exhibit was a how-to on digging away with a “real” steam shovel. Start saving the logs from those trees that fell on your front lawn from the storm this summer and get busy!

If you missed this one, save the date for next year. This 20^th annual steam power show is held the second week of August: This one held at Taylor Marshall Farm in Sycamore. Check out info at its web-site.