Nancy Eberts – Eberts Harvesting Inc.
Myron and I took a whirlwind of an overnight trip again this year to ROLLAG for the 64TH ANNUAL WESTERN MINNESOTA STEAM THRESHERS REUNION. We truly enjoy this show and honestly have yet to see all there is to offer. It’s four full days of activities and really like stepping back in time.
We have gone three years now and still need a couple more trips to take in all there is to offer.
Upon arrival, we started with a Saturday evening stroll along the lines of tractors and implements and reminiscing about what both Myron and I drove and worked with as kids. It was “a perfect date” and so much fun! Myron, as always, even helped me remember a few things.
We went to the 9 pm Catholic Mass at the “workers shack” and were thoroughly moved. We didn’t do a headcount but both guessed it was well over 100. These workers and their families, who put in their time and labor for the full day, were all crammed into an old pole building. No one minded, no one complained about the dirt floors or cramped wooden benches and tables on saw horses. Everyone simply gathered. Many still in their overalls and work clothes, but were there for ONE reason…to worship.
Over the years, we have been blessed to see many beautiful, historical and even several fancy newer churches. All, of course, where our faith and history surrounded us, be it through stained glass windows or statues and altars. Yet tonight, it was the “Community of Saints” that blew us away. Music was led by two amazing accordion players and everyone (I mean everyone…even Myron) sang! To us, it was FAITH at its finest. The sermon touched on “No pain, No gain” and the sacrifices necessary in a life of holiness, as well as work. We all prayed for those affected by the storms and fires and sang some more!
I am sure if you catch Myron, he will give a full report of how much it meant to him.
We rounded out Saturday night by walking to and from a few buildings to listen to the music being performed and called it a night at 11 pm. We traveled back to Moorehead and spent the night and were up and out of there by 6:30 am!
Yep, I rode the Merry Go Round! I have wanted to for the last three years! It was worth every second. I may have been the oldest but I felt like a little kid again!
Sunday was our Funday! We spent the morning walking among the tractors and steam engines. So much to see and learn as these big. beautiful machines start to wake up (getting ready for the parade). There’s water, firewood, ashes and so much more to get them ready. Myron calls it “pollution, steam and exhaust at its best”! We were both so impressed to see young men and especially many young women working on these monsters of a steam! Families working together, everyone helping each other. I think we related so well because of our way of life.
The parade started at 10 am and ended at noon (yes, a two-hour parade…like no other). So many threshers, pioneer cars and, of course, tractors to see. Once the parade was over, I headed into the Pioneer Village and the “Horse-drawn” Village, which I hadn’t taken in last year. Both are like stepping back in time and watching how our ancestors lived and worked. I posted last year about the trip, as well.
A few parade shots:
By 2:30, Myron and I met back up and headed to the tractor pull. Myron’s phone went dead so trying to find me and charge it took time away from his tractor visits and checks, Lol. I was busy taking in all I could and had no concerns because we agreed to call each other by 2 o’clock. or so.
I am in hopes the pictures will explain our lovely time all the more. We highly recommend this wonderful place! Every year, we see hometown faces and also get the opportunity to meet new individuals. We love that it is family friendly and “real life…back in the day” learning adventure.
Next year, we want to get to the “spark show” and “sandbox”. Click here to go to the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion website. Once there, you can get a taste of what you and your family could also enjoy. No big screen can match this!
