The Austin Agricultural Museum is gearing up for the 58th annual Manitoba Threshermen's Reunion and Stampede July 26-29 with new thrills and old favourites for the

gathered guests.

Perhaps the newest attraction will be a visit from the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) Air Ambulance, who recently announced that Austin will be a new landing site for the helicopters.

"This year we were contacted by the STARS ambulance and they want to come and present themselves to the community and talk about what they do," said Cassandra Masse, the curator and chief museum operator of the Austin Agricultural Museum. "They'll actually be landing on Saturday at about

3 p.m. and staying for a few hours to talk to the community and to our visitors."

Masse added many of the popular attractions from previous years will be back again at this year's Reunion.

"(We're hosting) the rodeo, the classic car show, we also have the vintage parade which is vintage tractors," said Masse. "Everybody has their favourite thing."

Celebrants will also get a chance to explore the pioneer village and buy goods made on site such as cinnamon buns and different types of flour.

"Our village is going to be open as well as some of the buildings that might not be open during the year, for example the Masonic lodge. We also have a gristmill on site that is actually operational during the reunion. We actually make different types of flours and sell it to the public," said Masse.

Patrons looking to relax will get a chance to hear from a number of bands on the grandstand each evening as well as kick back in the beer gardens. Entertainment will include Diamonds and Dirt, Stu Porteous, Brothers of the Road, Northern Reflections, Jerry Sereda, Southwind, and DJ Cory Christison.

Things will wrap up on Saturday and Sunday with fireworks at dark and a dance each night at 10 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Daily admission is adults $15, students (12 plus with valid ID) $8, children (6-12) $, and children (5 and under) are free.

For more information visit: http://ag-museum.com.

robin.dudgeon@sunmedia.ca