The festival site is located about 10 kms southwest of Prince Albert on Hwy 11. (Vintage Power Machines/Facebook)

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Summer event

Step Back in Time at the 44th Annual Vintage Power Machines Festival

Jul 8, 2025 | 3:53 PM

Visitors to this year’s Vintage Power Machines Threshing Festival will once again be transported to a time when horsepower came with actual horses and tractors were built to last generations. Now in its 44th year, the beloved event returns with two full days of family fun, history, and hands-on demonstrations about 10 kilometres southwest of Prince Albert on Hwy 11.

Set for July 12 -13, the festival is hosted by the Vintage Power Machines Museum, a non-profit organization entirely run by volunteers. With its charming rolling hills, historical buildings, and growing collection of restored machinery, the site has become a living museum of prairie life and agriculture from days gone by.

“The festival has always been about keeping history alive,” said the festival president Alan Andal. “Most young people have never seen a threshing machine in action or know how blacksmiths used to work. We want to give them a chance to experience that firsthand.”

Festival goers can watch blacksmith demonstrations. (Vintage Power Machines/Facebook)

One of the biggest additions this year is a brand-new canteen building, complete with seating for up to 75, a modern kitchen, and accessible washrooms. While it’s still under construction, much of the funding for the final touches will come from festival proceeds.

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Beyond the concession, the museum grounds include a visitor centre filled with vintage tractors, restored vehicles, and even a replica Wells Fargo stagecoach on loan from a Shellbrook-area family.

Festival-goers can enjoy a full slate of activities over the two days including blacksmith demonstrations by a talented young artisan crafting jewelry and ornaments from old railway ties; a daily pancake breakfast starting at 8 a.m., followed by burgers, hot dogs and refreshments served until 5 p.m.; a silent auction and raffle draws; and, the crowd favourite tractor pulls.

For kids and curious adults, there will also be a SGI Rollover Simulator, offering a realistic—and safe—experience of what it’s like to be in a vehicle rollover, along with tips on how to survive one.

The festival offers something for everyone. (Vintage Power Machines/Facebook)

Community Spirit at Its Core

The festival is made possible through the tireless work of volunteers and generous support from local businesses. This year, several area transport and construction companies stepped up to sponsor the expensive tractor pull sled—ensuring the tradition continues.

While admission is modest, with kids under 12 admitted free, the focus isn’t on profits.

“None of us do this for a living,” Andal said. “It’s about preserving history and offering something special for the community.”

Although the festival is the highlight of the year, the museum is active from spring to fall. Tours can be arranged almost anytime, and the organization hopes to secure summer students next year to keep the site open daily.

For those interested in getting involved, memberships are just $20 per year, but even a few hours of volunteer time is welcomed.

“We don’t just need members. We need people who care about history and want to help preserve it,” Andal said.

Whether you’re there for the smell of diesel from antique engines, the clang of the blacksmith’s hammer, or just a good old-fashioned burger and pancake breakfast, this year’s Vintage Power Machines Festival promises a fun and educational outing for all ages.

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*This article was contributed by the paNOW commercial content creation division.