It is not uncommon for small Midwestern towns to develop their own identities based on the things that make them unique. Every summer, these towns celebrate that uniqueness with events that residents and visitors alike look forward to as soon as the spring winds begin to ushering out the lingering cold and ice. Dilworth has their Loco Daze, Ulen their Turkey Days, and Barnesville their Potato Days. Similar events occur all over the region. No celebration, however, has the prominence and notoriety that the city of Rollag has achieved. For over sixty years, the name Rollag has been synonymous with steam. The Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion (WMSTR) has become the signature event for not only the town of Rollag, but also for the industry itself.

The WMSTR has taken place every Labor Day weekend for decades. This year, the event will be showcasing construction equipment, including trenchers, draglines, crawlers, dump trucks, and of course, steam shovels. The origin of the WMSTR dates back to 1940, when a Garr-Scott engine was fired up to thresh with steam again for the sake of reminiscing. The event, originally the brainchild of the Nelson boys, continued once a year until 1954, when the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion met formally for the first time. Over the next sixty years, the WMSTR has continued to grow and transform itself into one of the area’s premier attractions.

The construction showcase will include four operating steam shovels, two of which are the largest in North America. Also included are the famous Marion-Osgood steam shovel, as well as a diesel shovel and a buckeye trencher from Fargo that were used to dig water lines. “The equipment will be demonstrating how roads were built,” said organizer Louie Larson. “It will be well worth your time to visit.” According to Larson, the machine shop will be set up to replicate the type of shop used in the past. It is another example of the authenticity that is so carefully created throughout the reunion.

One of the things that makes the WMSTR so special is the fact that visitors are able to interact with the exhibits as soon as they step through the gates. From a steam powered merry-go-round and authentic train to construction and threshing equipment, visitors are able to experience life as their ancestors did. Indeed, the construction equipment itself represents the earliest technology of its kind. “The reunion is a living history museum,” President Mark Kerkvliet explained.

One of the highlights of the reunion is the Marion-Osgood Steam Shovel Model 73. The shovel made its debut at the WMSTR in 2012, although it has taken until now to become fully operational. The entire restoration process has taken six years. “It is the biggest steam shovel in existence,” said Kerkvliet. Although it is not possible to confirm that the Marion-Osgood is the exact shovel that dug the Panama Canal, it is the same type of machine. Over one hundred steam shovels worked for over ten years to complete the canal.

The Marion-Osgood’s journey to Rollag began in 2010, when a team of men traveled to Kentucky to dismantle and transport the shovel to Minnesota. The move took almost two years, with the restoration process taking much of another two. Overall, it is estimated that over 1,000 man-hours, 500 pounds of welding rods, and 1,500 pounds of various sizes of structural steel were used in the restoration process. It is an impressive machine and one that is sure to be a highlight of the reunion.

Some may think of the WMSTR as a male-oriented event. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In addition to the construction and threshing equipment expos, there are also a wide variety of exhibits geared toward both women and children. Each day during the reunion, Main Street will be lined with ladies activities and the Pioneer Village will feature a multitude of female-oriented exhibits. Although children will likely find much of the grounds fascinating and entertaining in their own right, there are also events specifically geared toward younger visitors. Daily parades, music, and a specially designed kid’s class are just some of the attractions likely to entice young minds. “It is a very family oriented event,” said Kerkvliet.

In addition to the construction showcase, the full array of WMSTR exhibits will be operating. They include:

· Steam traction engines

· Threshing machines and sawmills

· Evening spark show

· The Horse area – threshing and other farm work

· The Sandbox – antique construction equipment

· Evening music at six different locations – ranging from blue grass to gospel

· Stationary gas and steam engines

· Flour mill

· Numerous houses and buildings ranging from an early log cabin to a large farm house

· The Log Cabin Museum

· Twice daily parades of steam and gas tractors

· Kids’ activities such as the steam powered merry-go-round, Ortner train, and more

The WMSTR runs from August 29 through September 1. Gates open at 6:00am and activities run into the night. Daily passes are $12, while $20 provides admission to the entire weekend. All rides and activities within the grounds are free after paid admission, and children under the age of 14 are free with a paying adult. Kerkvliet’s best advice to visitors is to come early and plan to spend the entire day. “Two days is even better,” he said.

More information on specific events, including a daily schedule, can be obtained at www.rollag.com.