The Threshing Festival is about to enter into it’ 44th year. Over the past 44 years, the festival has changed from
an agricultural theming to more of a generic summer family festival. Keeping with its history, the current committee has maintained a country feel, offering events of all kinds, truly something for everyone.
You
have to see it for yourself. Our sleepy town of 1000 people, converts quickly into a busy and excitable community hours before the parade begins. Lawn chairs and families line our streets in anticipation of the town crier and those first police sirens, signalling
the start of the parade. Children waiting in anticipation and families and friends coming together again for the annual Thamesville Threshing Festival. It’s something we all remember as a child - that Friday afternoon feeling - it’s finally here!
The parade is a big one. Always over an hour, often pushing two. When it’s all said and done, the crowds hurry to Ferguson Park where the Midway has kicked off. Music from the beer gardens resonates through the
crowds and children and their families enjoy all the rides the fair has to offer. Inside the beer gardens, old friends reunite, new friendships are made and it truly feels like one big reunion. Those who were raised in Thamesville but have since moved away
- often come home for Threshing Fest. The Friday night band is sure to please and the dance floor is hopping. Only after the music has stopped and the beer stops flowing, do the patrons decide to pack it in and head home.
Day 2 is a family fun filled day! Beginning bright and early, Sertoma hosts one of the best Show and Shines in the area. It’s a great addition to the festival and a must see. In the pavilion, the Baby Show begins. We have some of the cutest
babies in Chatham Kent. Come see for yourself.
The frog jump gets off mid-morning and this historic event is what we remember from our youth. The night before (or that morning!) we would be hunting for
frogs in ponds and creeks, trying to find the fastest. A big thanks to Sertoma again for continuously putting the event on. No one does it better.
A few new additions as of late, are the Zoo to You Animal
display as well as the Silver Stars Drill team. Both are amazing events. Don’t miss the Silver Stars - it’s a crowd pleaser. You don’t have to love horses to love this show! New this year we have Olga, an Acrobatic performer. She is a former
Cirque du Soliel performer and her young daughter has since followed in her mother’s footsteps and will join her on stage.
A couple of other favourites are returning. The Lambton County Mini Pullers
and the Western Ontario Outlaws lawn tractor racing are sure to make the park just a bit louder, smokier and exciting. All these wonderful events are sponsored and won’t cost you a penny to see.
At
4 p.m. the Committee begins to serve the Carbarn’s famous Broasted Chicken Dinner. You haven’t had chicken until you have had it broasted. Tickets almost always sell out so purchasing in advance is a good idea. It’s simply amazing.
During the Chicken Dinner, a pie auction is happening in the pavilion where diners have the option to bid on fresh homemade pies. This always brings lots of laughs and a little friendly competition between bidders.
One of everyone’s favourite activities is the Farmer Olympics. Beginning with the juniors, the crowds gather behind the pavilion to watch participants enter a relay of challenges, all farming themed. It’s
a great event to watch, kids and folks of all ages can attest.
However, nothing beats topping off a hot summer night in Ferguson Park, then watching a fireworks display like the one Thamesville puts on.
It’s breathtaking. It’s a community-driven event which often starts with the crowd singing O’ Canada. It’s patriotic and it’s so incredibly warming. If you can attend anything, attend the fireworks. It’s simply the cherry
on the Threshing Festival sundae.
Don’t miss the 44th year. It’s intended to provide you with another weekend of memories that you, your friends and family will reflect on for years to come.
Cheers.