HAMMOND – The public is invited to the St. Croix Valley Collectors Association’s 40^th Annual Threshing Bee on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. The event will be held this year at the Firefly Moments farm located on the corner of 30^th Avenue and County Road W between River Falls and Hammond (1559 30^th Ave., Hammond).

Demonstrations include threshing, baling with a stationary hay press, silo filling, corn shelling, rope making and more. A variety of antique tractors, “hit and miss” engines and other equipment will also be on display throughout the day. Child activities include train rides, a goat pen, bounce house, and a pedal pull tractor competition. Activities start at 10 a.m., with a noon break for a lunch of pulled pork and sweetcorn with all the trimmings, topped off with root beer floats. The day includes a silent auction and features a 2 p.m. antique tractor parade preceded by the annual crowning of a King and Queen.

The 40th anniversary will pay special tribute to brothers Bob and Dick Bjerstedt, who laid the foundation for what became an annual event when Bob threw a birthday party for Dick that included pulling their collection of antique equipment out of the sheds and inviting the neighborhood. Bob passed away in 2020 and Dick died earlier this year.

There is no admission charge, but free will donations are appreciated to help defray the cost of the meal. Beverages will be available on site. For more information call Pete Lubich at 715-821-7800 or Roger Garbe 715-222-2307.

Submitted by St. Croix Valley Collectors Association