Old farm machinery will come to life this weekend as Farming of Yesteryear hosts the 25th annual threshing festival two miles east and two miles south of Kiester.

On Saturday, the gates open at 9 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. there will be a horse pull. A parade is set for 1 p.m., the Penny family will entertain at 2 p.m., Stub Highway 253 at 3:30 p.m. and a soup supper will be served at 5 p.m. with music by Gus Courrier.

On Sunday, the gates open at 6:30 a.m. There will be a church service at 7 p.m. and breakfast will be served from 8 to 10 a.m. Al Batt will entertain at 10:30 a.m. A horse pull is set for 11 a.m. and a cribbage tournament will start 11:30 a.m. (for a $5 entry fee). At noon, there will be a kids’ pedal pull. A parade will start at 1:30 p.m. and Dunnell Lenort will entertain at 2:30 p.m.

On both days, visitors can see horse plowing and activities, shop the country store, see silage and sorghum making and blacksmiths at work. There will be crafts, a flea market, carriage rides, kids’ games, rope making, field events and more.

Admission is $6 for adults. Children ages 12 and younger will be admitted free.

In addition, the Prairie River Camp, located three miles south of Interstate 90 on Highway 253, will open its corn maze this Saturday. Hours are from 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday. The maze includes a scriptural and historical treasure hunt.

Admission is $5 for ages 12 and older, $3 for ages 5 to 11 and children 4 and younger will get in free. There is a family rate of $18. Groups of 30 or more must call to schedule a visit; call (507) 327-7047.

Following is a roundup of other events happening in the area this weekend.

Friday, Sept. 5

– Church Women United will hold Mission Study Day at Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 S. Washington Ave. Coffee will be served at 9:15 a.m. and the program, a human rights celebration titled “God’s Wisdom Honors Children,” will begin at 10 a.m.

– The Barb Butler art exhibit will be open at the Albert Lea Art Center from noon to 4 p.m.

– The Pelican Breeze II will host a pizza cruise at 6 p.m. Reservations are needed by 4 p.m.; call 383-2630.

Saturday, Sept. 6

– Harmony Junction Chorus will host a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s Restaurant from 7 to 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per person; children ages 8 and younger eat free.

– First Lutheran Church of Glenville will hold its annual fall festival. Coffee and rolls will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. A meatball dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children ages 5 to 10. Preschoolers eat free. Quilts, crafts, baked goods and produce will also be sold throughout the day.

– The Albert Lea Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon.

– The Barb Butler art exhibit will be open at the Albert Lea Art Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

– Lunder Lutheran Church will hold its annual salad luncheon and bake sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Children younger than 5 eat free.

– The Pelican Breeze II will host a narrated cruise at 4 p.m. No reservations needed.

– The Democratic Farmer Labor Party will hold a spaghetti supper from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Fairlane Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Cost is $8 for adults, $15 per couple or $20 for a family. In addition to the spaghetti, there will be guest speakers, refreshments and bars.

– The Hayward Fire Department will hold its annual appreciation picnic from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hayward Town Hall.

– The Hartland Firefighters will hold their annual pork chop and sweet corn feed from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hartland Community Center. Cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Proceeds will go toward equipment and training.

Sunday, Sept. 7

– The Golden K1 Kiwanis Club annual all-you-can-eat Dad’s Belgian Waffles breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fairlane Building on the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Cost is $6 for adults. Children ages 5 and younger eat free.

– The Pelican Breeze II will host a narrated cruise at 1:30 p.m.