Event features pioneering and antique farming equipment and activities
OLYMPIA – Sept. 2, 2015 – Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Kittitas Valley Early Iron Club invite the public to the 33rd annual Threshing Bee at Olmstead Place Historical State Park.
The Threshing Bee takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20 at Olmstead Place St Park, 921 N. Ferguson Rd, Ellensburg. (Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/oEt3F) Organizers invite the public to explore the history of the restored 1875 pioneer farm through displays and activities featuring antique farming equipment. Threshing begins at 10 a.m. and the tractor parade starts at 1 p.m. each day of the event.
The centerpiece of the event is an antique threshing machine used to separate the edible part of cereal grain (such as wheat) from the inedible chaff surrounding it. Other activities include an antique tractor parade, display of draft horses, wagon rides, antique vendors, an antique equipment show and displays, homemade ice cream and a DJ with live music.
Included this year at the event will be the illumination of the historic 1889 dairy barn by Ann Durant. Durant lights dilapidated barns and industrial buildings with high-wattage lights. Ann will illuminate the old Olmstead 1889 dairy barn on Friday night, Sept. 18 and on Saturday night, Sept. 19.
Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase at the event Saturday on Sunday. Breakfast runs from 7 to 10 a.m. Lunch is from 11a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Discover Pass is not required for vehicle access to the event. The Kittitas Valley Early Iron Club is covering the access fee.
For further information, contact the Kittitas Early Iron Club at: www.kveic.org.
About Olmstead Place Historical State Park
This unique state park features a working pioneer farm from the 1800s and is a popular site for school field trips. The park sits on land from one of the first homesteads in Kittitas Valley. The Olmstead family arrived in 1875 and lived on the farm for more than 100 years before donating it to Washington State Parks. Today, it continues to be a working farm, with the land still worked with horses and old-fashioned equipment. Along with historical buildings, the day-use park has a one-mile hiking trail, picnic tables and restroom. For more information about the park, visit http://www.parks.wa.gov/556/Olmstead-Place
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Maurya Broadsword, (509) 925-1943
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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