Mid-Lakes
Agricultural Fair and Thresheree
Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13 from 10 am to 4 pm
The Mid-Lakes Agricultural Fair and Thresheree is made possible by Country Visions,
Dramm Corporation, and WOMT 100.
Join us for a celebration of agricultural history and community, presented in partnership with the Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club.
From the field to the farm and homes, the Fair and Thresheree features agricultural demonstrations, exquisite handiwork and produce, historic trades, and more.
Step back in time and see the sights and steam-powered action that bring to life the stories of our heritage. Help us bring in the harvest using methods from centuries past. From vintage tractors to hands-on history, you can relive nostalgia of our agricultural roots.
In the Historic Village
Check out highlights of activities throughout our 19th century village and grounds:
Make a stop at the Hall of Wonders– A spectacle to behold! What oddities & marvels will you see?
Visit our historic homes and busy kitchens.
Stop at Shadyside School to try some 19th century games on the front lawn.
Talk with our tradespeople who practice and preserve timeless skills like cheesemaking and blacksmithing.
Experience businesses at the turn of the 20th century and visit at the General Store and Meeme House.
Sun and Silver Photo will be on site creating historic tintypes. Get your image ‘struck’ with your favorite piece of equipment or create a timeless family portrait.
Browse the Exhibition Hall (Two Creeks Town Hall) to see agriculture and community exhibits. More information can be found below.
Agriculture and Gardens
Demonstrations will take place throughout the day at the sawmill and around the ag arena space including haying, corn husker and shredder, and binding.
Visit with farm animals at the Meeme livery stable.
Make sure to explore historic gardens throughout the Village, flourishing with both food and flowers.
History in Action:
11:30 am: Challenge the Nebraska Tests dyno demonstration
12:00 pm: Exhibition Parade kick off.
Live Music from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday in the Nennig Dance Pavilion with Pat and Johnny.
1 pm: Threshing Narration and Your Turn! What is Threshing and why do we do it? Learn more about this technology with dialogue from our threshermen - Plus a chance to pitch a bundle yourself!
Hay press demonstration to follow the threshing demonstration.
Enter exhibits in the Fair
The Two Creeks Town Hall will be transformed into the Exhibition Hall show casing the agricultural history of Manitowoc County.
While enjoying the exhibit - grab a slice of pie! The Town Hall will be filled with old fashioned pie, just prefect for the fair!
“Challenge the Nebraska Tests”
We will be using a newly acquired dynamometer to see if you can get you tractor up to the load it was designed to, or more if you are up to it!
This dynamometer was bulit by the A&W (now known as AW) Dynamometer Company from Colgate, Illinois. The unit was built in 1964. The unit found its way to the Landis and Hingiss IH dealership on Calument Avenue in Manitowoc. From there it had a few owners before being owned by Ian Kraemer, Whitelaw, who donated it to the Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron Club.
Additional Information
Food and beverages are available on site with Moose on the Loose Food Truck (Osman).
Tram service will be available to assist guests with mobility needs across the grounds.
Check out these additional programs related to the Agricultural Fair and Thresheree:
General Admission
Museum Members: FREE
Consider becoming a Museum Member today to enjoy free general admission, plus other benefits and perks all year long!
Click here to learn more.
Adults: $15
Seniors (62+): $13
Youth (4 – 17): $10
Children under 4: FREE
Non-members: Reserve your tickets ahead of time for a quick and easy arrival: Purchase General Admission Tickets Online!
Historic Equipment and Demonstrations
From steam engines to tractors, and reapers to plows - they all play an important part in our history. At the Agricultural Fair, you’ll be able to see the tools that farmer’s used, but also see many of them in action.
Interested in attending as a reenactor or exhibitor? Fill out the form below!