Labor Day Thresherman’s Reunion shines as a living tribute to labor, heritage, and tradition. Across the Midwest, agriculture has long fueled work, culture, and daily life. In Pontiac, that legacy rises loudest every Labor Day weekend as steam engines roar, parades march, and families gather again.
Moreover, Pontiac IL proudly welcomes generations back for the 69th edition of the Central States Threshermen’s Reunion. Since its very first show in 1949, Thresherman’s Reunion this beloved gathering has grown steadily, carrying stories from one era to the next.
In fact, the Pontiac celebration holds a remarkable distinction: it is the second-oldest steam show in the entire United States. Consequently, each year’s reunion becomes more than an event—it becomes a powerful ritual that links past and present, unites neighbors and travelers, and celebrates the tireless labor that built the Midwest.
According to the USDA, Midwest agri-tourism grows by nearly 18% each year, showing how people around the world crave authentic cultural experiences. At the same time, historians point out that heritage events foster deeper connections than static exhibits, with the American Alliance of Museums reporting 23% higher repeat attendance for hands-on heritage attractions.
Consequently, the Thresherman’s Reunion has become a magnet for global visitors eager to see steam engines roar, threshers turn, and history breathe beneath an Illinois sky.
Why You Should Attend
The Reunion offers more than tractors—it embodies tradition, pride, and joy. Steam engines chug, sawmills buzz, and threshing demonstrations fill the air with history’s hum, pulling visitors into the story instead of leaving them as spectators. The Sunday Parade heightens the excitement with antique tractors, marching bands, colorful floats, and local pride on bold display. Beyond machinery, the Reunion honors the sweat, labor, and innovation of generations—values that mirror the very spirit of Labor Day itself.
My Family’s Story in This Tradition
✨ With every whistle of a steam engine and the folk music of our United States singing the songs from my childhood from my Dad’s banjo, Pontiac comes alive. This Labor Day, I invite you to stand where I once stood as a child, feel the joy of the parade, and celebrate the labor, heritage, and history that make the Labor Day Thresherman’s Reunion unforgettable.
Generations of my family have cherished this celebration. My Grandpa Eacret farmed in McDowell Township near Pontiac, and the Thresherman’s Reunion has thrived in our town since my mother was a child. As a little girl, I remember standing along the curb, listening to steam whistles pierce the air, and feeling the marching bands’ drums echo down Main Street. The colorful parade created a magic that only deepened once we reached the 4-H Park, where families gathered, laughter carried on the tradition blended seamlessly with innovation.
This year adds a special memory. Watch for my Dad, Mahlon Simmons, playing banjo on one of the floats, bridging generations with music that links past and present. You’ll also want to cheer for the Pontiac Education Float, featuring my sister-in-law and little brother, proudly representing our community’s dedication to learning and progress.
Highlights of the 2025 Reunion
- Massey Expo of North America – Rare Massey tractors and machines on full display.
- Daily Demonstrations – Steam engines, sawmills, threshing, baling, blacksmithing, and field work.
- Parade of Power – Restored engines and tractors showcased across the grounds.
- ITPA Tractor Pulls – Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 pm, a high-energy favorite.
- Family Activities – Train rides, flea markets, food stands, and living history exhibits.
Labor Day in Pontiac and Bloomington
While the Thresherman’s Reunion anchors the weekend, Pontiac and Bloomington offer more to explore:
In Pontiac
- Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum – Celebrate road trip culture.
- Pontiac Murals & Swinging Bridges – Stroll through scenic art and history.
- Livingston County War Museum – Hear powerful stories from local veterans.
In Bloomington-Normal
- Bloomington Labor Day Parade – A vibrant downtown tradition on Monday.
- Connie Link Amphitheatre – Outdoor concerts under the stars Friday and Saturday.
- Illinois State University Galleries – End the summer with art and culture.
Why It Matters Globally
Heritage, labor, and history transcend borders. Visitors who come to Pontiac during Labor Day don’t just attend a festival—they step into a story of resilience, community, and family. Through steam, music, and memory, the Reunion reminds us that labor is honorable, heritage is priceless, and tradition deserves celebration.
Other Labor Day Thresherman’s Reunion Resources
- 77th Annual Threshermen’s Reunion – Pontiac, IL
- Agritourism Allows Farms To Diversify and Has Potential Benefits for Rural Communities
- Getting to Pontiac – Pontiac, IL
- Threshermen’s Labor Day Parade – Pontiac, IL
