Threshing Bee Brings nosTalgia To Modern day Fun

Laughter abounds at 4:00 PM when the “Looney Lutherans” entertain ticket holders for the first annual “Tea at the Bee.” For those who can’t make afternoon tea but are looking for a funfilled evening, a free 7pm featuring the Looney Lutherans will take place at the Potter Building.

Saturday, says Sorum, is the busiest day of the Bee. A fan favorite, the farm toy show will be held at the Moose building on the Threshing Bee grounds all three days, in addition to the Oink Quack Moo Petting Zoo, which will be set up at the livery barn for all the animal lovers in attendance. The annual car parade kicks off at 10: 30 AM for all to enjoy, and kids will have a chance to win a prize at the “Duck Pond” throughout the day. The excitement builds at 11:30 AM when the kid’s have a chance to run for their favorite treats at the Candy Scramble, followed by the main street parade, a corn shucking demonstration on the Threshing Bee grounds and the Borderline Auto Club car show from 12:OOPM - 4:00 PM at Vournas Field.

The fun continues with an afternoon threshing show on the north hill at the Bee, and a second seating of “Tea at the Bee” for ticket holders. Kids can have their own fun at 3pm finding real-life treasure scrambling for money in the straw, held at the Bummer Barn. A new addition, says Erin, is the horse races – a family-friendly competition for all ages! Competitors of every age are invited to bounce their way to victory, with prizes being handed out to the “fastest rider” in each age division - no experience required!

The musical delights of The Songbirds, a group of local students will fill the air at 6pm, followed by friends and neighbors gathering to share their gifts at the annual talent show. Notes Erin, “The talent show is always well-attended, and everyone always has a good time – there have been some very entertaining, creative entries in year’s past.”

Sunday may be the last day of the Bee, but the fun activities continue throughout the day, starting with the Village Church Service at 9am, followed by a car parade, round two of kid’s can- dy scramble, and the final 2023 tractor parade. Following the parade, Bee-goers can take in one final threshing demonstration, and end the weekend cheering for their favorite drivers in the adult and kiddie tractor pull.

There will be no shortage of tasty eats at this year’s Threshing Bee, with the Bakery and Kitchen being open each day starting at 7am. Brake-Check Chuckwagon will be serving the kitchen breakfast and locals Morgan and Kayla Jacobs will be taking care of the lunch offerings. Heather Oppegaard is baking up delicious treats to offer up at the bakery. The flea market will also be open all weekend for those looking for new treasures to take home, there will be sodas and water for sale at the Farmer’s Bar, and on Saturday Sorum’ s Westland will be at the Westland Station on the Threshing Bee grounds handing out free glass bottle Coca-Cola’s.

“The threshing bee is just a fun opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy both things past and things present,” says Sorum. “We are always looking for new ideas and activities that every generation can appreciate and enjoy, while still providing the nostalgic past-times people have come to know and love.” Sorum also says that without the generosity of sponsors and volunteers, the Threshing Bee couldn’t continue. “This year’s show sponsor is Burke-Divide Electric, and others including Bank of Tioga, New Century Ag, Crosby Assembly of God, 1st State Bank, Shanon Gjovig, NCC and Stony Creek Ranch are the reason we are able to keep putting not just a national, but internationally attended threshing bee that is both family and budget-friendly.”

“Community volunteers are really what make the Bee happen each year,” notes Erin. “Many of our volunteers don’t attend meetings, but they show up each year to get the grounds and buildings ready for touring, help with registrations and organization, serving food etc. –The Threshing Bee couldn’t soon. Anyone with questions or interested in joining the historical society/helping with the Threshing Bee can reach out to Erin