Western Minnesota Steam Thresher’s Reunion – Annual Church Event

Rollag Lutheran Church in Hawley, Minnesota, is well known in the community for its involvement in hosting the Western Minnesota Steam Thresher's Reunion (WMSTR) every year. The WMSTR is a four-day event in Rollag, Minnesota, and is one of the largest agricultural shows in the country. The event brings together people worldwide to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a time gone by. The WMSTR is a celebration of the history of farming and steam engines' role in agriculture.

Rollag Church has a long tradition of serving at WMSTR, starting way back when WMSTR started in 1954.

In the early days of serving at WMSTR, one circle of ladies for Rollag was designated to serve lunch for the worker and those who gathered on the hill. The ladies served lunch from a tent. The event was so large that the following year, the whole Ladies Aid combined efforts to serve lunch from an open stand. Tables were places under trees to provide shade for those eating the meals.

A large building was built to store small steamers and tractors during the off season. It was agreed that Rollag Church could use the building during the reunion weekend to serve breakfast and dinners. A counter was provided to serve lunches. Later, the building now used for square dancing, northwest of the current building was used. A new building (our current building) was built for Rollag Lutheran Chruch in 1996

Today the entire congregation pitches in to provide nourishment for the thousands who come each year. Meals consist of a thresherman's breakfast, a ham dinner complete with fixings, and lunches that are served throughout the day at the counter, as well as pizza in the evenings. There is wonderful cooperation between the congregation members of all ages to make this event a success each year.

The Rollag Lutheran Church has been integral to the WMSTR for many years. Every year, serving up ham dinners, breakfast and lunches. Some traditions served each year are donuts, lefsa and Rollag potato salad. With this being one of Rollag Lutherans Church’s fundraising we make sure to give back to our communities, like The Giving Tree, Operation Christmas Child, and other local stewardship opportunities.