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Jul 13, 2023

Historic farm equipment to be put to work

Aug 25, 2023 -Messenger file photoBlacksmith Ty Murray applies beeswax to provide a protective finish to a piece of hand-forged steel at the Homer Threshing Bee in 2022. HOMER — This year, there’ll be

Aug 25, 2023

-Messenger file photoBlacksmith Ty Murray applies beeswax to provide a protective finish to a piece of hand-forged steel at the Homer Threshing Bee in 2022.

HOMER — This year, there’ll be threshing against the backdrop of bluegrass when the annual Homer Threshing Bee fires up on Saturday and Sunday.

Sweet Potato and his band will play at 1 p.m. Saturday, according to Don Lamb, one of the annual event’s organizers.

Homer, the near-ghostly town that was once a contender for Hamilton County seat, will welcome throngs of small engine and tractor collectors and the many more people who simply want to put their feet on some country ground.

The event begins at 8 a.m. Saturday with a breakfast prepared by the Lehigh Lions Club. Lunch is served by the West Central Region Cockshutt & Co-op Club, which organizes the threshing bee. An entry fee of $5 for anyone over 12 is good for both days.

On Sunday, breakfast by the club begins at 8 a.m. Then there’s a tractor ride over to Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. The club will serve lunch on Sunday, as well.

Lamb said he expects the bee to wind up about 4 p.m. on Saturday and perhaps 3 p.m. on Sunday.

This year the club is featuring Oliver/Hart-Parr, but all tractor brands are welcome. There will be plenty of gas engines, garden tractors, and anything that is of historical interest. Tyler Murray of Boone Forks Forge will offer some blacksmithing demonstrations.

Threshing is, of course, the main event. This year two steam engines will be fired up to help thresh the oats that were harvested in the heat of this week by about 20 volunteers.

Homer is located eight miles north of Stratford on Hamilton County Road R-21.

For more information, call Lamb at 515-408-0664; Bill Oberhelman at 515-570-6400; or Jane Stevens at 515-689-5586.

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