It’s harvest time in ‘Butte

Even though it’s not officially harvest time in Picture Butte — the Prairie Tractor and Engine Museum and Coyote Flats Pioneer Village celebrate with Harvest Days this weekend.

“It’s a pretty cool place to come because it’s kind of a blast from the past. You can kind of see how things were done way back when and how we got to where we are now,” said Nicole Desautels, events co-ordinator at the Prairie Tractor and Engine Museum.

Last year, Desautels noted, with paid admission there were over 7,400 in attendance over the weekend and sugar beets was the theme — which was an important homage, since the sugar beet industry is prominent in southern Alberta.

This year’s fun-filled family event features the ever-popular crowd favourite — tractor pulls.

“That’s kind of our main thing. We have a track and they have the regulars that go from tractor pull to tractor pull across southern Alberta,” added Desautels.

Desautels said events will be taking place all over the historic village of Coyote Flats, with Harvest Days coinciding with Jamboree Days throughout Picture Butte.

The annual event is run by volunteers, with anywhere between 50-100 volunteers, according to Desautels. Volunteers are still needed to help out with the event. Volunteers can call 403-732-5451 or visit online at coyoteflats.org for more information.

Harvest Days features many activities for kids including ice cream and a playground.

“We have ice cream. Every kid likes that,” said Desautels, adding Harvest Days adds onto the whole prairie feel of southern Alberta.

Harvest Days kicks off Friday at 6:30 p.m. with an antique tractor pull followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. in Picture Butte.

On Saturday, train rides for kids begin at noon with a Parade of Power at 2 p.m. Binding, threshing and stooking is at 3:15 p.m. and antique tractor pulls begin at 3 p.m.

On Sunday, breakfast with admission is between 8-10 a.m. followed by horse pulls at 1 p.m. A Parade of Power begins at 2:30 p.m. with binding, threshing and stooking at 3:30 p.m.

The weekend also offers music and food vendors and the historic buildings will be open to explore plus primitive camping and much more.

The cost is adults $10 and under 12 free. Friday is free admission.

Prairie Tractor and Engine Museum is located 1.5 kilometres south of Picture Butte on Highway 843.

Get More Sunny South News →