Central North Dakota Steam Thresher's Reunion
Encyclopedia
New Rockford, North Dakota
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,463 people, 651 households, and 378 families residing in the city. The population density was 970.7 people per square mile . There were 778 housing units at an average density of 516.2 per square mile...
every third weekend of September. The event is held on the New Rockford Fairground, and began in 1958. It features rare working steam engines, antique implements, and also many antique tractors. Admission also includes a visit to the on-site pioneer village. The festival has run for nearly fifty years and has led to New Rockford self-proclaiming itself "Steam Capitol of North Dakota".
Events
Many events happen during the get-together. Each morning a full breakfast is cooked in an old-fashioned cookcar. There is also a parade of engines which is a narrative parade showcasing many of steam engines and tractors, and plowing and threshingThreshing
Threshing is the process of loosening the edible part of cereal grain from the scaly, inedible chaff that surrounds it. It is the step in grain preparation after harvesting and before winnowing, which separates the loosened chaff from the grain...
demonstrations occur daily. Toy and craft shows are ongoing, as well as historic demonstrations, and a pioneer village. Children compete in the pedal pull competition, and a pioneer church service is held on the last day of the festival. The 2008 Reunion will be September 18-21.
The organization started in 58 but the first show was held in 1959 at the airport north of town.