The Citizen, 1994-09-09, Page 5THE CimEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994. PAGE A -S.
Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion 1994
Returning campers tetf what mattes Runion so special
LittCe town
Hundreds of people return to camp at the Thresher Reunion each year so
as not to miss one moment of entertainment.
By Bonnie Gropp
Each year during the first week of
September another little village springs up
within Blyth as trailers arrive at the
fairgrounds for the annual Huron Pioneer
Thresher and Hobby Association Reunion.
Last year the "tented city" had over 500
campers moving in and for the first time pre
"Evenings at the Reunion,
down home celebrations
registering was recommended. As the
numbers increased each year, campers began
coming earlier and earlier, thus the idea for
pre-booking a site.
Some years ago the Association
recognized a need for greater and better
camping facilities. An area to the west side
of the fairgrounds had been purchased some
years ago by the village with the intention of
increasing the parking space. However,
Property Chairman Carman Craig said the
need for camping space was evident so the
six acres was developed for that purpose.
Then two years ago about 24 acres to the
west of the developed area was purchased by
the village, with 2/3 coming from the
Threshers and 1/3 grant assistance from the
Ministry of Tourism and Recreation. This
was to create a road allowance from the
grounds down to County Road 25. At the
1993 Reunion, rainfall caused some
problems with people getting back to the
sites. However, this won't be a problem this
year as roadways have been dug and covered
with sand and gravel.
There are now 540 marked sites, 278 of
which have hydro hookup, while the
overflow is put back in the fields. "Many
people don't bother pre-registering," Mrs.
Courtney said, "because they actually don't
mind setting up in the fields. They think it's
quieter."
Costs for reserved camping are $36 or $9
per night for anyone taking a chance.
Campers who arrive early to get the best of
what's left, will only be charged for the
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
nights, Mrs. Courtney says. "Some campers
arrive on the holiday weekend and stay for
the full week," she added.
Campers also pay the admission fee to
the Reunion.
The people who come to the Reunion for
the duration, travel from as far away as
Florida to as near as Hwy 4, said Mrs.
Courtney, adding that there have been quite
a few registered this year from New York. A
lot of the campers, she says, follow these
types of shows around.
Ross and Dorothy Garside of Thedford
have been coming to the Thresher Reunion
for nine years. Since the Association has
taken pre-registralion, the Garsides have
taken advantage of the service saying that
they find it really helps a lot to get their spot
picked ahead of time.
Mr. Garside takes his stationary 'engines
to the reunion, and the Garsides used to
follow many of the shows around. However,
in recent years they have concentrated
primarily on the Blyth reunion, because Mrs.
Garside said, "we like Blyth best."
"We find the people very friendly. It's
just a home atmosphere. We are treated very
well by the officials and have always had
good people camping near us. Everyone is
always ready to help," said Mrs. Garside.
Listening to the old time music
throughout the weekend is much enjoyed as
well, they say.
Pauline Weber of RR2, Palmerston, who,
with her husband Bill, has been camping at
the Reunion for as long as they can both
remember, says, "It's great to walk around
the campground at tonight. Someone will
start to play a fiddle or guitar and it won't be
long before they have more wandering over
to play with them. "
Pauline knows first hand how much the
Reunion has grown since its early humble
beginnings. "I remember going to the
Reunion over 30 years ago when he first
married. It was so small, there was no
camping or anything, but every year it has
just continually grown. It has something for
everybody."
Continued from A4
hall where the local volunteers will be
heating up the grills for breakfast beginning
at 7:30 for the early birds who don't want to
miss a minute of fun.
Displays begin operating at 9 a.m. In
addition to more local entertainment,
threshing demonstrations and tractor pulls
there will be special events both days for
children and adults. The Brussels Pipe Band
will be performing in the early afternoon and
prior to the parade, which begins at 4:30
p.m. both days.
There is always plenty to see at the
Reunion with displays of steam, traction and
portable engines, model steam engines, gas
tractors, saw mills, crafts, classic cars and
the antique flea market.
Saturday is the fiddle competition and
Sunday is the step dancing competition. On
Saturday evening there will be a dance
featuring Joe Tiffins Orchestra and Sunday
morning at 10:30 is the outdoor church
service.
Every evening at the reunion is a real
down home country celebration with
campers gathering together to have fun
making music, while the association hosts a
com roast.
Though the actual reunion begins Friday,
Wednesday and Thursday has something to
offer to the guests who take advantage of the
reunion's excellent camping facilities. On the
Wednesday evening all musicians arc
welcome to be part of the campers jam
session at 8 p.m. and on Thursday night the
fiddlers get a turn at a jam session also at 8.
Welcome To
^SHERS^
33„, -fc
of c
£ Anniversary
Sept. 9, 10 & 11, 1994
Fair Grounds
Look what's new at
LONDESBORO SEED PLANT
THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE AND FRIENDS
HARVEST HERITAGE TRADING CARDS
Great gifts for young and old alike.
Blyth, Ontario
A Message For You Folks!
NOW READY TO TAKE IN YOUR WHEAT AND
FORAGE SEED CROP FOR CLEANING
I would like to take this opportunity to invite all you folks to our
show. Join in our entertainment, competitions of Just enjoy the
exhibits and demonstrations. We are all very proud of our show, so
bring the whole family and make yourself at home.
Your President, Jeff Thomson
Friday - 8:00 a.m. Senior Citizens & Handicapped Day
$2.00 Admission for Seniors and Handicapped
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission $4.00 per person
Members must have 1994 memberships
Children - 12 & under $1.00
Children - 12 & under accompanied by an adult - FREE
FREE CAR PARKING
FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE FROM PARKING LOT
PEOPLE MOVERS AVAILABLE FOR ON GROUNDS TRANSPORTATION