FROBISHER, SASK. — The small village of Frobisher came alive on Aug. 11 with the 53rd annual Frobisher Threshermen's Reunion, celebrating the region's agricultural heritage with a day full of activities and demonstrations.
Despite some concerns about the weather leading up to the event, the reunion proceeded without a hitch.
"The day turned out to be a great day, with people showing up in good numbers," said Rod Mutton, a key organizer of the event.
This year's reunion saw slightly lower attendance compared to previous years, but the participation remained strong.
"The engagement is really good. We got lots of help getting the tractors going this year," Mutton said.
The day started with a pancake breakfast, followed by a lengthy parade, which featured dozens of tractors and other antique equipment, most of which was from the museum's collection, with a few people bringing their personal machines as well. The parade led guests to the Frobisher grounds, where there were kids' activities, beer gardens and food trucks all set for the community to enjoy.
Younger guests had a chance to show their strength in a kids' tractor pull. The activity, in which a little bicycle that looked like a tractor was used for kids to pedal and pull some weights, attracted 22 competitors of different ages.
The museum was open throughout the day for guests to view the antique collection.
The reunion also included a traditional threshing demonstration using a steam engine and threshing machine, which drew the interest of many visitors.
"The steam engine hooked onto the threshing machine, and we fork the sheaves into it. Then we pull the straw at the back and do some baling," explained Mutton.
While the event means a lot for the older generation, there were also a lot of younger guests and participants, helping preserve agricultural history and traditions.
"A lot of the kids that were driving [tractors in the parade] are from farms, they learned from grandpas, and they help out here [with the Frobisher Threshermen's Reunion] a lot," Mutton said, reflecting on how the traditions are being passed down to the next generation.
The day concluded with a supper at the museum, providing a fitting end to the community gathering.
"It's nice to see the turnout here," Mutton added. "We appreciate all the help we get. It's really nice."
