Outdoor

Valmy hosts the 30th annual Thresheree & Antique Machinery Show

By Sally Slattery, Peninsula Pulse – August 15th, 2012

An antique tractor blows off some steam at last year’s Thresheree & Antique Machinery Show. Photo by Len Villano.

“I’ve been going to the Thresheree for 24 years,” says 24-year-old, event go-to girl Marie Massart who was introduced to the event at 2 months old. “It’s unique, very unique.” For those who attend the 30th annual Valmy Thresheree & Antique Machinery show celebrating farming then and now, classic Wisconsin cuisine, and the thrill of chasing a pig in mud, they may catch Massart serving a brat or showing an Allis Chalmers to its parking spot. “I head up the advertising. I’m head of vendors. I help with clean up and help where needed,” she explains.

Taking place Aug. 17 – 19, the first event occurred thirty years ago by Bernie and Shirley Geisel, who asked a local group of farmers to produce a show that would bring back the old ways of farming, including working machinery.

The event appeals to those “interested in farming,” says Massart. “You can learn a lot about different [farming] equipment. It’s a lot different now.”

A team of pig wrestles chase after a slippery pig. Photo by Len Villano.

The event also features country music, polka music, a chainsaw competition, and an antique tractor pull (for adults as well as kids). There will be a barefoot horse pull, an antique machinery parade, a flea market, a raffle, and one of the weekend’s most popular attractions – the mud pig wrestling competition.

“This is really unique,” laughs Massart. “Not a lot of places do this anymore.” The competition features teams of four people (male or female) attempting to catch a pig and place it on top of a barrel in less than one minute. Co-ed teams are permitted but will be put in the men’s division.

Burgers, brats, hot dogs, and assorted refreshments will be served throughout the event.

The 30th annual Thresheree & Antique Machinery Show takes place at 5005 County View Road near Valmy. Admission is $5 a day or $8 for the weekend, and includes a souvenir button. For more information call 920.495.6421 or 920.743.4859 or email [email protected].

30th Annual Valmy Thresheree Schedule of Events

Friday, Aug. 17

6pm: Gates open.

7-11pm: Stone Sober performs.

Saturday, Aug. 18

8am: Gates open.

9am: Chain Saw Competition

11:45am: Antique Tractor Pull

2-5pm: Jerry Voelker performs.

5:30pm: Polka Mass

7-11pm: Modern Day Drifters performs.

Sunday, Aug. 19