Austin's Threshermen's Reunion & Stampede will be rocking and rolling starting today, Thursday, July 29th, going until Sunday, July 31st.
Angie Klym, president of the Manitoba Agricultural Museum, shares there is much excitement in the air for the first Reunion & Stampede since the pandemic.
"It is such a pleasure to see the return of our volunteers and the museum come back alive with all of the excitement and the enthusiasm by everyone. We are a little bit nervous going back in. You wouldn't think that with a couple of years off, you would lose your rhythm. But sometimes, when you try to get back in, and you try to jump straight back in, it just feels slightly foreign. But I'll tell you, it's like riding a bicycle or getting back into the groove, and things are getting done."
Klym outlines some of the events throughout the weekend.
"We have our Pioneer Power Parade every day at 1:30 for entertainment in the afternoon. In the evenings, we have our Corn and Barley Corral. Then of course, one of our premier evening events is the Canadian Cowboys Association and Manitoba Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo. We are super-excited to have all of those marquee pieces back and available at our reunion this year."
Klym talks about entertainment for the children.
"We've created a Pioneer Adventureland for our little pioneers this year, and we partnered with Oak Hammock Marsh to bring some events for our children and visitors. So, on Friday, they're going to do some critter dipping. I can't say I know exactly what that is. On Saturday, they have Animal Detective Stations, which I think sounds really, really honest ominous. Then on Sunday, we have a reptile show that's happening in the afternoon. And then what type of children's adventureland would it be if you didn't have Sleepy The Clown working and having fun with you throughout the day?"
The President of the Manitoba Agricultural Museum notes that somewhere along the line, she knows she will end up standing in line waiting for a fresh batch of cinnamon buns.
"We anticipate about 2500 cinnamon buns will be enjoyed by many people. Then, of course, my second favourite is the steamed-corn that will have available cooked by one of our very own steam engines."
Klym gave a special shoutout to everyone who helps put on this event, adding that as soon as the event is finished, the committee starts working on the following year's Threshermen's Reunion.
"There is a dedicated group of nine that do this all throughout the year. We also have many volunteers, over 700, who will come out, support and provide the interpretation and bring the museum to life with all the different events that we have. Without those volunteers, and of course, without our sponsors and our supporters in the local community and beyond, It just wouldn't be possible."