Jacksonport, WIAugust 17, 18 & 19, 2012
5005 Country View Rd, near Valmy [map]
Event That Started in 1983 Still Going Strong
Because of their interest in preserving the heritage, history and machinery of previous generations of farming, back in 1983 Bernie and Shirley Geisel asked a group of local farmers to produce a show that would bring back the old ways of farming, including working machinery.
The first show was scheduled for the third weekend in August but heavy rains forced it to be postponed until the following weekend. The Northeastern Wisconsin Antique Power Association was formed to operate as a two-day event. For the first 15 years it was held on the Geisel farm, near Valmy.
In 1997 the club purchased 30 acres of a nearby farm at 5005 Country View Rd, 7 miles north of Sturgeon Bay. Another adjoining 10 acres were purchased the following year and the 16th annual Thresheree was held at the new site.
The event now stretches over three days, with a country music band kicking off the festivities with a Friday night performance.
Saturday activities begin with a chainsaw competition at 10:30 a.m. An antique tractor pull gets underway at noon and usually attracts 100 or more entries.
A polka band provides dance music on Saturday afternoon with a polka mass at 5:30 p.m. The day’s festivities conclude with a jam session that night.
Sunday morning worship services begin at 8:30. At 10 a.m. there is a kids tractor pull and kids games, also a Little Farmer dress-up contest. A barefoot (no shoes) horse pull begins at 10:30 a.m. with about 10 teams participating. The Thresherman of the Year award is given out at this time. An antique machinery parade begins at 1 p.m. A Blue Grass Band provides entertainment throughout the afternoon.
At 3:30 p.m. one of the weekend’s most popular attractions gets under way – the mud pig wrestling competition. Teams of four people (male or female) attempt 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.
Food and refreshments are served throughout the event and there is a flea market that draws many vendors. The Thresheree is held annually the third weekend in August.
Each year a raffle is held. Tickets can be purchased from club members.
Admission is $5/day or $8 for the whole weekend and includes a souvenir button. With questions, call 920-495-6421 or 920-743-4859, or send email correspondence to: mariemassart@yahoo.com.
THERE ARE NO STRANGERS HERE…ONLY FRIENDS YOU HAVEN’T MET!!!!
