MMDers may be interested in the following band organ rally where band
organs meet the largest steam show in the US.

The Heart of America Chapter of AMICA is sponsoring a band organ rally
in conjunction with the Old Threshers Reunion at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa,
this year on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 1-3 (Labor Day
Weekend).

A large variety of both antique cars and trucks will be on display.
The largest assemblage of steam tractors and steam engine in the country
will be there.  Another display will feature both large and small gas
engines as well as antique gas powered tractors.  Over 100 vendors will
be selling crafts and antiques.  There are two museums one of heritage
and the other of theater.  Three steam engines operate regularly around
the perimeter of the 80-acre grounds.  Five trolleys operate similar
schedules around the perimeter of the 60 acres campgrounds.  Within the
grounds is an 1880s town where bank and train robberies occur four
times a day.  A gay 90s salon provides dancing girls for the patrons.

There are daily parades in front of the grandstand of antique cars,
trucks, steam powered tractors, and gas powered tractors.

The crowds will exceed 125,000 for the five day event with the largest
crowds on the Labor Day weekend.

There will be perks for those bringing organs to the event.  We have
spots open for six trailered organs and for at least twelve street
organs.

If you are interested in bringing an organ to this event contact
Gary Craig at <gcraig@postnet.com> immediately.  It will be first-come
first-served for those bringing organs.

Cynthia Craig

 [ At http://www.oldthreshers.org/about.html :
 [
 [ "Come Meet the Friendliest People in America
 [  August 31 - September 4, 2000
 [  The Old Threshers Reunion
 [  Always 5 Days Ending Labor Day
 [
 [ "In its first 50 years, the Old Threshers Reunion has grown to be
 [ recognized as the largest event of its kind in the country.  People
 [ visit from every state in the union and numerous foreign countries.
 [ Visitors number more than 120,000 each year.  Originally the show
 [ was presented on the fairgrounds.  Now it has expanded to cover more
 [ than 180 acres.
 [
 [ "Daily and Weekly Camping on Midwest Old Threshers grounds available
 [ with full hook-ups, showers, located on site of Heritage and Theatre
 [ Museums -- $10.00 per night or $50 per week.  Camping during the Old
 [ Threshers Reunion on the 60-acre campground is $8.50 per night.
 [ Rallies Welcomed!"
 [
 [ Also several good links at http://www.trainweb.org/k0bkl/thresh.htm
 [
 [ -- Robbie