Step back in time this weekend

A full itinerary awaits the crowd expected to attend the 38th Annual Divide County Threshing Bee Friday through Sunday in Crosby.

“This year, we are featuring Allis Chalmers equipment, one of the originals in the farm industry” said Perry Rosenquist, president of the Divide County Historical Society and Museum. “We have equipment that goes back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, and it's all running.”

Many of these will be highlighted in the parades scheduled at 1 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday at the city's Pioneer Village, The sputtering, gigantic engines impress nearly any age observer.

“This is one of the biggest activities for the Crosby area,” related Rosenquist.

In addition to century old equipment are some unique displays and demonstrations for those interested in taking a sentimental journey.

As indicated, by the event's namesake, there will be threshing demonstrations with old-time equipment just like it was done at the dawn of the 20th Century. We'll have demonstrations on threshing, the saw mill and two blacksmiths,” Rosenquist continued. The threshing demonstrations begin after the parade.

The Pioneer Village is another step back in time with a series of 22 buildings equipped to take you back to a more simple time. There is the bank, blacksmith shops, two churches, the post office, the barber shop, and the ‘Wildrose Mixer' - the old Wildrose city paper. The bakery will be serving rolls. Other activities to watch for are the plowing demonstrations, the stationary engines and the antique flea market.

Hungry observers can treat themselves to an all-day pancake ‘breakfast' from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. throughout the three-day event. Other concessions will also be available.

“This year an antique car club from Sasketchewan will be attending,” he continued. Many may also be drawn to the Laura Ingalls Wilder display within the depot building.

Free horse-drawn bus rides will be provided to attendees.

An auction is slated at 11 a.m. on Friday and the family group, the Hellegards, will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday's entertainment will feature a talent show, also beginning at 7:30 p.m. A dance featuring Bud & Jerry also is planned.

Everyone is encouraged to take in the toy show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Raffle tickets will be sold for an Allis Chalmers tractor or $1,000 cash.

According to Rosenquist, the show has proven popular in the past. “At the gates we've seen 3,000 come through. We've had 36 states represented to come see this,” he said.