The St. Croix Valley Collectors Threshing Bee held Sunday, Aug. 18 at Norm & Shirlee Feyeriesen’s farm near Hudson drew nearly 1,000 people for its 39^th year. Attendees had the chance to see old-time farm machinery and methods at work after a lunch of pulled pork, corn on the cob and root beer floats. Kids had a great time trying out miniature pedal tractors and visit cows in the pen.

In 1985, Bob Bjerstedt wanted to throw a 50^th birthday party for his younger brother, Dick. Bob pulled some of his old farm equipment out of the shed for a few demonstrations. The event went over so well that the next year the Bjerstedts invited a few neighbors and eventually opened the threshing bee to the public. The club now has 120 active members/families.

For the first 26 years, the threshing bee was held at the Bjerstedt farm on Glover Road. Over the years, many new exhibits and events were added. A few of the new additions were a barn dance the night before, the naming of a threshing bee king and queen, a noon lunch served to all attendees, and an expanded lineup of exhibits. The club was named the St. Croix Valley Collectors Association to brand the event. Additional advertising and promotion helped to increase attendance over the years.

From 2012-14, the event relocated to Roberts Village Park and partnered with the Roberts Lions Club Food Shelf Truck & Tractor Pull. Norm and Shirlee Feyereisen offered to host the 2015 event, and club members welcomed the opportunity to move the threshing bee back to an actual farm setting. In 2015, sponsors were solicited to help cover costs and keep admission free for all attendees. A free will donation is requested for the noon lunch, root beer, ice cream and beer provided at the site. Unfortunately, no event was held in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

An area farmer will agree to plant the oats or wheat and let the club cut the crop in late July or early August with a grain binder to make bundles. The bundles are loaded onto wagons and run through a threshing machine during the show. The oats/wheat harvested are returned to the farmer.

To join the club, membership dues at $20 for the year and it’s not necessary to own “old iron” to join. Anyone who has an interest in preserving the history is welcome. For more information, call Pete Lubich at 715-821-7800 or Mike Lubich at 715-425-8430 or email peteyboyl@comcast.net

Taken from the St. Croix Valley Collectors Association flyer