The fourth annual Puslinch Threshing Bee is bringing in some new events this year.
The Threshing Bee, to be held the weekend of Aug. 16 and 17, will have a special appearance by the Puslinch Country Squires to entertain with songs and fiddle music.
The Threshing Bee is popular with steam engine enthusiasts because there are many demonstrations involving steam traction engines, antique tractors, and new and old farm equipment.
Several times over the weekend participants will be threshing grain using this antique equipment, and, for the first time, there will be a stonecrusher powered by a steam traction engine.
There will be a saw mill, a “people hauler” operated by steam traction engines, a can crusher, and blacksmith demonstrations.
There will also be historical displays and each day there is a parade of the antique tractors so everyone can see them in action.It is a great way to understand the work of the farmer in the early years.
There is fun for the kids, too – with a coin hunt in the sand and a petting zoo.
There are food booths from organizations in the township so bring your appetite.
The Threshing Bee got its start when Paul Hohenadel and other enthusiasts wanted to remember a friend, the late Don McKinnon, who owned an old threshing machine and had wanted to fix it up to show how things were done in the old days. The event grew from there with more displays and demonstrations added every year.
The Threshing Bee is open from 9am to 5pm on Aug. 16 and 17. Admission is $5 per person with proceeds this year going to Hospice Wellington and Guelph General Hospital volunteers. The event is held at the southwest corner of Victoria Road and County Road 34, just east of Aberfoyle.
by Rosemary Anderson
