MAKOTI - More than 50 years ago the late Clarence Schenfisch, of Makoti, put a dozen or more classic tractors he restored on display for Makoti's 50th anniversary.
That inspired the start of the Makoti Threshers Association and development of the now annual Makoti Threshing Show, North Dakota's largest threshing exhibition.
This year's show, in its 52nd year, will be Saturday and Sunday at the threshing grounds on the south side of Makoti.
Article Photos
Submitted Photo
A mucker (road building) demonstration is shown in this photo taken at the 2011 Makoti Threshing Show. The show, set for Saturday and Sunday, will have a number of new events. This year’s mucker demonstration will be done both days at 10 a.m.
"This is definitely a family event," said Cheryl Stein, advertising chair for the threshing show.
Threshing is a major part of the show but there are new activities, along with old favorites, being planned at this year's event.
A tractor trek on Friday kicks off the activities. Tractors will assemble in Makoti at 8:45 a.m. Friday, leave Makoti at 9 a.m. and travel south on Ward County 9, then east on Ward County 22 to Ryder. After a stop in Ryder for coffee and doughnuts, the group will leave Ryder at 11 a.m. and arrive back in Makoti about 1 p.m.
For more information about participting in the tractor trek contact Marvin Franklin at 743-4278.
A pickup pull planned for Saturday at 2 p.m. is new to this year's threshing show activities. For more information contact Hilman Anderson at 726-5581.
Activities are being planned for youngsters to take part in while their parents are watching the threshing and plowing.
After an absence last year, a kiddie parade will be held prior to the 1 p.m. regular parade on Sunday. Registration for the kiddie parade is at the announcer's stand. Every youngster entering the kiddie parade will get a prize.
Lucky Lenny the Clown is back again this year with his magic show set for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the John Deere Building.
A children's story hour will be held in the schoolhouse in Pioneer Village after the 1 p.m. parade both afternoons.
On Saturday, the Miller Family of Mandan will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. and Dave Diffley, a local entertainer, will be on stage from 8 p.m. to midnight. Their performances will be in the John Deere Building.
The staging area in the John Deere Building is available for jam sessions Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. People should bring their musical instruments and/or come to sing.
A Chili Cook-off will take place Saturday in the John Deere Building. Registration starts at noon and judging at 4 p.m.
A Dutch Oven Cook-off will be held Sunday in the South Building. Set up starts at 10 a.m. and judging in several categories at 3 p.m. The Dutch Oven Cook-off will give visitors an opportunity to learn how to cook in cast iron over a charcoal fire.
Contact Sharon Andes at 898-3450 or Cheryl Stein at 728-6740 or email fadstein@srt.com for information about the cooking contests.
Many other activities are planned, among them a mucker (road building) demonstration Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. at the south side of the threshing grounds.
A $10 button is the admission for the weekend. Those high school age and under are free.
For a full list of threshing show events visit (www.makotind.com) or call Stein at 728-6740.