Thousands of people came to Austin, Manitoba, for the annual Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion & Stampede. A one-of-a-kind celebration of prairie grit, horsepower, and deep-rooted traditions. With four days of heritage demos, rodeo thrills, and family fun, the event continues to draw everyone from first-time visitors to lifelong attendees.
Step back in time at Homesteaders’ Village
Visitors who come to the Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion & Stampede often find themselves drawn to one of the festival’s most beloved attractions, Homesteaders’ Village.
Set within the Manitoba Agricultural Museum, the Village offers what organizers describe as “a fun and nostalgic slice of life from the early 1900s.” The setting captures the feel of a prairie town from more than a century ago, with heritage buildings and old-fashioned activities that keep families coming back year after year.
One of the most talked-about treats is the fresh cinnamon buns that are baked daily in a traditional clay oven. These golden, fragrant pastries are usually available from mid-morning until mid-afternoon.
Guests can also beat the summer heat with a cold drink or an ice cream cone from the Village’s General Store. After browsing through vintage artifacts and handmade souvenirs, many find the old-time refreshment just the thing to cool down.
Homesteaders’ Village continues to be a cherished part of the Manitoba Agricultural Museum’s summer showcase, blending education, entertainment, and hands-on heritage for all ages.
Saddle broncs and bone-rattling tradition
Rodeo riders are no strangers to risk, but for Beau Armstrong of Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, it’s all worth it. A third-year competitor at the reunion, Armstrong’s roots in saddle bronc run deep.
“My dad started riding saddle bronc when he was a teenager, and I saw some pictures and stuff, so I figured I'd try it, and I kind of fell in love with it, and I started riding bulls and broncs,” says Armstrong.
Even after breaking five or more bones, Armstrong and fellow riders are always ready to get back on the saddle and run again. Stating it's always a thrill, no matter the pain.
“It’s an adrenaline rush, it’s kind of what we do it for. It's a good feeling when you get off after you ride. Even when you get bucked off, you kind of want to do it again,” adds Armstrong.
Pedal pulls and childhood pride
Over in Pioneer Adventure Land this weekend, the youngest visitors were in for a treat with the ever-popular kids’ pedal tractor pull. With four different age categories, children can hop on a pedal tractor and see how far they can pull the sled. It was a fun, free activity that brought out a bit of healthy competition and a lot of smiles.
The area is designed with plenty to keep kids busy throughout the day. There’s a bouncy castle, mini golf, face painting, coloring stations, and sidewalk chalk. There were plenty of ways for kids to burn off energy and enjoy the festivities while families took in all the events of the Threshermen’s Reunion.
Horsepower in the field and history at home
Among the horsepower field demonstrations, Justin McKee of Minnedosa shows just how much dedication goes into working with draft horses, both at the reunion and back home.
“Well, I have my farm with my parents, which has been going on since 1918. Everyone here does a lot to get these horses ready for this event, and there's a lot of work throughout the year that gets put into it,” says McKee.
He goes on to say he has been coming out to the Threshermen’s since he was little.
“I've been coming here ever since I was about seven years old and working with the track horse guys, and they're a lot of fun. Just the company, it's a good group of guys, and of course, working with the horses in the field and with other Teamsters is where the fun is,” he adds.
Watching the stooking and threshing competitions was a great way to get the crowds going, and everyone enjoyed participating. The crowd got to come off the stands and join the announcers, prepping the hay by stacking it in a pile for a prize. After they were done, they got to watch it get picked up and carried in the race by Armstrong and the rest of the competitors.
Steam and storylines under pressure
Among the stars of mechanical displays full of history, Garrett Bodie brings both technical know-how and family legacy to the steam engine demonstrations.
“Well, this is a 1916 50-horsepower Case steam engine. It's owned by the Manitoba Agriculture Museum. My dad and I took it on about 15 years ago. It didn't look like this when we got it; it was in pretty rough shape. We decided to take it on and fix it up,” says Bodie.
These steam engines seem to have a personality like no other, as they all act differently when working and sound different from one another. Bodie mentions that all steam guys will say the same thing: that no engine is alike. Creating a unique experience when seeing these engines up close and taking a ride on them. He also adds that working on these engines has been in his family for almost 111 years.
“My dad's great-grandfather farmed with a steam engine. We have a picture at home from 1914 of a 75-horse Case just north of where my parents farm is, and they had a threshing crew, and they thrashed their grain with a steam engine,” adds Bodie.
Most of the crews that were attending the Threshermen’s Reunion these past four days had their own stories and family-owned steam engines. Teaching and learning from a young age, then continuing to teach future generations about the work and how to operate these huge machines.
Still rolling through tradition
The Threshermen’s Reunion & Stampede continued through Sunday evening with rodeo finals, fireworks, food, live music, and heritage displays. From seasoned ranchers and engineers to wide-eyed kids and steam-powered nostalgia, the event keeps its spirit alive, driven by those who ride, rebuild, and remember.
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