Take a Step Back in History with Old-Fashioned 'Threshing Bee'

Local historians and antique farm equipment experts will come together at on Aug. 27 and 28 to put on an event exhibiting more than 2,500 pieces of antique tractors, engines, lawn and garden machinery, trucks, washing machines and power tools.

The Sussex Antique Power Threshing Bee Show, which will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, is open to the public. Admission is $5 for adults and children ages 12 and up; and free for children under 11.  Parking is free from the entrance on Weaver Drive and Main Street, with a tractor-pulled people mover bringing visitors to the entrance.

The event is named after traditional “threshing bees” historically held in this area.

“Because equipment was expensive, not everyone owned each piece of equipment. Farmers would get together to gather the harvest, share equipment and work together,” said event coordinator Lisa Riemer.

This family-friendly event will feature demonstrations of equipment throughout each day including: a sawmill, a shingle-mill, a rock crusher, steam engines, tractors, gas engines, old-fashioned washing machines and chain saws. 

“There are rarely two items that are alike at our show. It will feature items from the late 1850s to the present. Between 1900 and 1950, there were no copyrights or patents on equipment, so many manufacturers made the same items with small variations,” said Riemer. “Most of the equipment that will be showing was actually used in Waukesha, Jefferson, Dodge and Washington counties.”

A parade will be held at 1 p.m. both days to showcase some of the trucks and tractors being displayed at the show. The Vietnam Vets Color Guard will perform, the national anthem will be played, and a moment of silence will be given to those who are no longer with us.

During the parade, Joel Albright, nominated as the “Person of the Year” by the members of the Antique Power Association, will ride in his steam-powered car, called “the gig.”

For the children, there will be a straw pile dive a half-hour after the parade ends. Kids can jump into the straw to find prizes and toys that were donated by area businesses.

“This is a nonprofit, family event,” said Riemer. “All of our food vendors are community organizations.”

The Menomonee Falls Boy Scouts will help out at the gates and will sell desserts to raise money. Job’s Daughters will sell hand-squeezed lemonade, and the Sussex United Methodist Church will serve breakfast and food all day. 

The Vietnam Vets of Oconomowoc will sell pulled pork, corn, hot dogs and more to raise money for their organization. The corn on the cob will be made in a steamer built by Albright and Dan Tetzlaff, a longtime member who passed away in July. 

Hamilton High School’s FIRST Team 537, Charger Robotics, will show its robots and answer questions about the program. The Waukesha County 4-H will show student projects.

The Steam Museum, located on the northeast corner of Village Park will be open during the event with active steam engines and historical experts.

The Circle Masters Flying Club hold a model airplane expo throughout each day. There will also be an all-day flea market and a raffle.