There’s just something about the sound of a two-cylinder tractor, Amsey Metzger says.
![Amsey Metzger will host the 20th annual Waterloo County Steam Threshers’ Reunion at his Wallenstein farm on August 22-23. [Scott Barber / The Observer]](https://www.observerxtra.com/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/post_steamthresher.jpg)
Like the distinct tone of a record player, or the rev of a ’60s muscle car, the rumble of an antique tractor’s engine is music to his ears.
There’ll be plenty on display at Metzger’s farm at 7590 Line 86 in Wallenstein on August 22 and 23, during the 20th annual Waterloo County Steam Thresher’s Reunion.
The event will also feature classic cars and trucks and demonstrations with antique steam threshing machinery.
Tickets cost $5 per day, or $15 for families, with this year’s proceeds being donated to The House of Friendship and the Children’s Wish Foundation.
The goal is “to raise funds to meet the great needs of the less fortunate people at home and abroad,” according to the group’s webpage. “We believe this will bring hope and dignity to these people. The funds remaining after expenses will be designated to a charitable organization(s) or mission(s) of the Reunion’s choice. The recipient(s) shall be announced prior to the annual event. We plan to raise the funds by providing information and education on steam engines and other antique farm equipment and provide demonstrations of their uses for the interest of the public.”
It’s a fun way to learn about the past, Metzger, the club’s president, says.
“It’s interesting to see how people used to do things and to see the contrast to the way we do things now.”
It brings a sense of nostalgia too, he added.
“I do remember seeing a lot of the equipment being used and putting in loose hay and the stooks. I never had to load a load of loose hay, but the stooks I did. I loaded lots of those.”
This will be the sixth time Metzger has hosted the event on his property. It’s a lot of work he says, but well worth the effort.
“I get great joy out of seeing people come out to see (the antique farm equipment), and seeing that we can have money left to give back to the community.”
The activities kick off on August 21 at 8:30 a.m. with a tractor run leaving from the Metzger farm, followed by brunch at 10 a.m.
On August 22, displays open at 10:00 a.m. with wagon rides, quilting, wood carving and a corn box. Throughout the day, there will be threshing demonstrations, children’s games, gospel singing and a corn roast.
Saturday’s events will include a children’s pedal-tractor pull, a hay loader and corn cutting box demonstration and a full-sized tractor pull. The reunion concludes with an equipment parade at 3:30 p.m.
More information can be found at www.waterloocountysteamthreshers.com.
