Mere mention of the city of Rollag, Minnesota will likely conjure up images of the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion. For over sixty years, the WMSTR has been giving the public a first-hand look inside the world of steam. Every Labor Day weekend, thousands of people step back in time as they take advantage of hundreds of demonstrations and exhibits representing what many consider “the good ole’ days.” This year, the WMSTR will be highlighting blacksmiths and metalworkers.
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 committee met formally for the first time. Over the next sixty plus years, the WMSTR has continued to grow and transform itself into one of the area’s premier attractions.
The 2015 WMSTR will highlight blacksmithing and metalworkers. Visitors can enjoy blacksmiths working on a number of forges (where the blacksmith heats and shapes the iron), a complete line-shaft driven machine shop, and an operational foundry (workshop) that will feature aluminum casting. “Blacksmiths from all over the country will be on hand to demonstrate their talents,” WMSTR President Mark Kerklviet explained. “We will also have a good representation of Fairbanks Morse engines.”
After all this talk about blacksmiths, engines, and steam hammers, some may think of the WMSTR as a male-oriented event. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In addition to the blacksmithing and steam engine 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. “WMSTR is a very family oriented event,” Kerklviet stated.
Kerklviet would like to encourage those that have never visited the festival to mark the date on their calendars. “You should plan on spending a full day if you come to the show,” he remarked. “You won’t see the whole show in a day.” Those that do hit the show are encouraged to stay through the evening. “There is music at night after the tractors quiet down and spark shows where steam engines shoot sparks,” Kerklviet explained. “Come early and stay late.”
In addition to the blacksmithing 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 September 4 – 7. 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.
More information on specific events, including a daily schedule, can be obtained at www.rollag.com.
