Le Sueur Pioneer Power Show

This past weekend, August 28 through 30, was the 36th annual Pioneer Power Show in Le Sueur, Minnesota. The weekend weather was absolutely perfect, bringing out a great crowd for the three days antique tractors, pioneer-era demonstrations, and entertainment. Specially featured this year were Ferguson and Eagle tractors, along with fire trucks. Le Sueur has had a long history of participation by the local fire departments, and this year brought a great display of trucks and horse-drawn fire equipment. The show also celebrated the 150th year of their log cabin, one of several historic buildings from the local area that has been preserved by the club.

The show opened with a consignment auction on Friday, which featured a wide assortment of classic tractors, automobiles, equipment, and parts. The parade of equipment was held just past noon on all three days allowing visitors to watch the old machines in motion. An antique tractor pull was held on Saturday afternoon, bringing a large crowd to the natural hillside overlooking the track. Numerous other working demonstrations occurred throughout the weekend, including threshing, plowing, and vintage construction equipment. Le Sueur also continued its history of horse-powered displays, including a treadmill and machines powered by a horse sweep.

The Ferguson Enthusiasts of North America displayed an extensive line of classic Ferguson tractors and equipment. The Eagle Tractor Expo brought out a number of these rare machines. The Eagle Manufacturing Company of Wisconsin is one of many turn-of-the-century tractor companies who disappeared prior to World War II. Dedicated collectors The North Central Wheel Horse Club also returned to Pioneer Power this year, with a great display of Wheel Horse lawn and garden tractors.

Next year's Pioneer Power Show will feature Oliver and Hart-Parr tractors.