MOOSE JAW — In the real world, combines are knocking down grain for harvest.
The Sukanen Ship Museum presents another world of harvesting at the threshing days bee — a world of threshing grain the way it was done a century ago.
The threshing machine, last used 75 years ago, sits stationary while bundles of sheaves are brought to it.
This year’s oat crop is short due to weather, so the oats sheaves will be smaller.
Threshing days at the museum and pioneer village will happen Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept 7.
The threshing event showcases the spectacle of tractor belts driving the thresher.
The old-time threshing demonstration is the major event, with many others showcasing pioneer farming.
Vintage tractors will parade in front of the grandstand each morning with various models, some still in use.
In early afternoon, vintage trucks and cars will parade in front of the grandstand.
Afternoon demonstrations involve ploughing the field, cutting the crop and binding it into sheaves for the threshing machine.
The days include rope making, blacksmithing, rides on mini steam tractor people mover, gas tractor people movers and a cart train for the younger set.
The draw on the lottery for the 1964 Comet convertible muscle car will be made Sunday, Sept. 7. Only a few of the 2,500 tickets are left to sell.
Visitors can view the 40 buildings and the thousands of artifacts. The Baildon CNR train station, partially closed for some time, is now open with renovations restoring the living quarters.
Last year, the Lorne Hart building for storing cars and trucks was opened on the second day of the threshing event.
Visitors will have more opportunity to view the vehicle collection, located by the 1913 grain elevator.
A hamburger and hot dog concession operates, as does the Kampen Building food cafeteria, with homemade pies. A pancake breakfast is held both mornings.
The museum is located 13 kilometres south of Moose Jaw on Highway 2.
Ron Walter can be reached at [email protected]
