BLACKBERRY — The North Central Minnesota Farm & Antique Association was formed in 1985 by a handful of folks who were interested in antique farming equipment.
Since then, they've gathered every August. The group is hosting its 41st Annual Threshing and Antique Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 10 at the Blackberry Farm, located 7 miles east of Grand Rapids, just off Highway 2.
Breakfast is served beginning at 7 a.m.
John Howery and Bruce Gould were recent guests on the KAXE Morning Show and told us more about the event.
It includes demonstrations of antique farming equipment, a blacksmith shop, shingle making and more. The Blackberry Farm has some unique buildings, like a house built from a Sears catalog and the original Blackberry schoolhouse.
Howery explained the process of threshing, which separates stalks from the grain. The original equipment was powered by steam, and people will get to see an antique threshing machine in action at the show.
Howery and Gould have had a friendly rivalry about tractors for nearly as long as the show has been hosted. Howery is a fan of John Deere, while Gould loves Allis-Chalmers.
Although they can't agree on which is best, they both share a passion for tractors and preserving the past.
Listen to our full conversation above!
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The Bright Spot is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
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