The Manitoba Thresherman’s Reunion & Stampede in Austin, Manitoba is a huge event! This year it’s happening July 24th to 27th. Those wanting to skip the lineups and get right onto the grounds upon arrival can buy tickets online, right now, right here!
Elliot Sims is the Executive Director at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum which hosts the massively popular event. He says this is the first time they’ve offered advance online ticket sales, but for those who are more comfortable purchasing tickets in person, they’ll continue selling tickets at the gate for cash, credit, or debit.
“Like other years, we offer a 4-day general admission pass for those who want to experience the entire festival from end to end,” explains Sims. “And then we have daily prices – so you can either be on the grounds for the whole day, or just the evening for half-price if you just want to experience our Corn & Barley Corral with live music, have some great food, and check out the exhibits.”
It’s important to note that general admission does not include the rodeo performance in the evening – that’s a separate ticket you’ll want to buy if you’re a cowboy fan.
Once you’ve got your General Admission ticket and you’re on the grounds, you’re free to explore all 100 acres of the Manitoba Agricultural Museum. Discover Canada’s largest collection of operating vintage farm machinery, then follow the tracks up the hill and into the forest to discover the Heritage Village, standing still in time – and bustling with activity July 24th to 27th!
“This year we’re hosting new interactive exhibits and activities in the Heritage Village,” reveals Sims. “So all ages, from 6 to 62, can experience hands-on learning and discover how folks did things in the old days – household activities such as washing clothes, and business activities like how elevator agents weighed and graded grain when farmers came to sell at the elevator.”
Every year the popular event features the Pioneer Power Parade, Manitoba Clydesdale Classic, the Route 34 Classics Car Show, old-time machinery demonstrations, beautiful working horses, horse-drawn wagon rides, and LOTS of children’s activities like barrel train rides and petting zoo.
Sims says those with a love for green will be flocking to see new feature attraction at this year’s event.
“Our big feature this year is the John Deere Expo. We're bringing in a lot of unique pieces you won't see every year at the show. We’re really celebrating their innovation, showing the evolution of John Deere, from the first tractors that were made, right up to their modern-day machines.”
With 100 acres, there’s always room to fit a big crowd onto the museum grounds, however if you’re planning to attend the Saturday night rodeo, Sims suggests you may want to purchase advance tickets online, because that event can sell out.
The Manitoba Agricultural Museum is home to the Three Creeks Campground, where Sims advises would-be campers to reserve spots now for July 24th to 27th as those dates are already booking up fast.
“If you're looking for camping, there are some first-come, first-served unserviced camping spots available – but if you want an electrical site, you should book soon.”
Interestingly, the Manitoba Thresherman’s Reunion & Stampede is such a big weekend, it fuels the Manitoba Agricultural Museum’s ability to be open to visitors year-round!
“It’s our single biggest fundraiser of the year for the museum,” reveals Sims. “One hundred percent of the revenue raised at the event goes back into funding artifact restoration, supporting programming such as our school field trip program, and more. It’s really how we keep the lights on, allowing us to preserve this collection and tell the stories of rural Manitobans for years to come.”
Sims says first-time visitors are always amazed at how big the museum is, and you can’t really see everything in just one day.
“I always encourage people, if they do want to come out for the stampede, to make sure they plan for at least one full day on the grounds. Really taking time to explore the Heritage Village where they can experience traditional handicrafts and blacksmithing, and grab some of our famous cinnamon buns baked fresh in our clay ovens. Or steamed corn-on-the-cob, made with our steam engines is another highlight.”
He also suggests making sure to take in the threshing competition that happens every afternoon from July 24th to 27th.
“This is the only place in the world where you can see full threshing outfits, complete with horses, racks, stooks, and threshing machines in action. You can see it all in a single place from the nice comfy grandstand with a roof that protects you from the sun.”
The Manitoba Thresherman’s Reunion & Stampede happens July 24th to 27th at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum in Austin, which is just 30 minutes west of Portage la Prairie. Event tickets are available HERE.
“You can buy tickets online right now with a credit card to make sure you've got them in advance,” encourages Sims. “That way, your process for getting onto the event grounds will be as seamless as possible when you arrive.”
Live music, great food, and thrilling rodeo action make for one LEGENDARY event. See you this summer in Austin!