Old Threshers’ Reunion begins next week

DENTON – The week of Fourth of July means fun, family and fireworks. All that and much more can be found at the 54^th Southeast Old Threshers’ Reunion, July 2-6. 

This year, the Annual Steam, Gas, and Antique Farm Machine Show will feature a demonstration of a portable restored 1920s RC Meadows 16-inch Iron Imperial model gristmill along with original equipment and original line-shaft. Larry Carlton owns the all metal mill built by his great uncle, Robert Calloway Meadows. The mill operated in the early 20th century on a small creek that ran along Highway 16 in Moravian Falls in western North Carolina.

The Threshers’ Reunion will also be celebrating 100 years of the Farmall “F” Series and all things Farmall.

There are a couple of festival ground upgrades: A new auction area and a new tractor pull track. 

NEW AUCTION AREA — The new auction area is located behind the antique cars section of the park. Persons wishing to drop off auction consignments should arrive through the service entrance at 1266 Cranford Road. The auction area can be accessed via a gate beside the antique cars (the old entrance to the corn maze). Auction attendees must wear their armband. The Antique Consignment Auction, held by Rogers Auction, will begin 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 6. For more information contact: RogersAuction.com or call 919-545-0412.

NEW TRACTOR PULL TRACK — The tractor pull track has been upgraded, along with the surrounding area. There is a new wooden shelter for lawn chair seating and a metal shelter for golf carts situated by the new track. Availability is on a first come, first served basis. Pulling teams will have a designated area for their tents on the opposite side of the track (like pits in a race), located in the same vicinity as the weigh-in and staging spots.

Each day features different entertainment:

— Opening ceremonies begin in the Music Hall, July 1, at noon. 

— The Southeast Old Threshers’ Queen Pageant will be held on July 2 at 7:30 p.m. 

— Musical performances occur daily:

July 2 — Nu-Blu, 3 p.m.

July 3 — Caroline Owens, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Jack & Davis Reid (grandsons of the Statler Brothers who perform country music and comedy), 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.

July 4 — Mountain Highway, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Jason Crabb, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.

July 5 — Just a Lil Grace, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Karen Peck & New River, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.

July 6 — Almost Country Revival Band, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Rick Alviti, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Other events include:

July 1 — Tractor ride, 9 a.m.

July 2 — Lawnmower pull, 5 p.m.

July 3 — Tractor games, 5 p.m.

July 4— Horse pull, 5 p.m.

July 5 — Tractor stock pull, 3:45 p.m.

July 6 — Adult & child pedal pull, 10 a.m., super pull, 3:45 p.m.;  Fireworks, 9 p.m.; Night train, following fireworks.

Live auctions will be held with the tractor ride auction on July 2 and consignment auction on July 6 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Other activities include a children’s petting zoo & pony rides, helicopter rides (located at main entrance by goose pond) and a decorated golf cart parade on July 4.

Alcohol is not permitted. An officer will be on property to enforce the rules for everyone’s best interests and safety. This park is privately owned and the owners wish to keep a family-friendly atmosphere. 

For those limited in walking, Scooter rentals will be available on the property. To reserve one, contact Rent A Ride: 336-287-7715.

Admission includes all entertainment, demonstrations and exhibits: Adults, $18; under 12, $6; preschool, free. Military Personnel receive $2 off admission (with ID). 

Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

For more information, contact Denton FarmPark, 1072 Cranford Rd, Denton, at 336-859-2755 or visit dentonfarmpark.com.