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Media Release

For Immediate Release

Harvest Days Is Back, and It’s Time to Welcome the Year of the Sugar Beet

August 16, 17, 18

Picture Butte, AB – Coyote Flats Pioneer Village, home of the Prairie Tractor & Engine Museum, prepares for yet another Harvest Days. This year’s annual show, taking place August 16-18, is honouring the theme of the sugar beet, which drove one of Southern Alberta’s king industries of the past. Bigger and better displays, new activities, and a book launch from author Belinda Crowson are all contributing to make this the best Harvest Days yet. 

“This is a great event for families” says President, John Rudelich. “Some come year after year to see the sheep shearing or threshing demonstrations. The miniature horses and petting zoo are always a hit with the kids too.”

Many improvements have been made to the museum this year, including new trees being planted and irrigation lines to water them. The parking lot has also been improved, and there is increased signage within Coyote Flats. “It really adds to the pioneer village feel” says Rudelich. “When we can improve the museum overall like we have, we can improve the experience for all visitors, and I think that will be evident at our show.” 

The Prairie Tractor & Engine Museum is excited to be the venue for the book launch of Belinda Crowson’s Southern Alberta’s Sugar-Coated History: The Sugar Beet Industry, on August 17 after the opening ceremonies. The theme of the book hits close to home for many locals in the area, including many of the dedicated volunteers at the museum; many of whom grew up in the industry. Belinda will be selling autographed copies of her new book at the show. 

Admission to the show is $10, with kids under 15 years old being free. On site camping is also available. Coyote Flats Pioneer Village is home to over 20 restored buildings, including the 1915 Eaton House, 1907 Bowville School, and 1905 Christian Reformed Church. All of these buildings, which come from Southern Alberta’s past, will be open to guests, so that they can experience the life of Alberta’s founders during harvest. 

Schedule of Events

Friday, August 16 – FREE ADMISSION

Saturday, August 17 – Coyote Flats Gate Admission: $10 (kids under 15 free)

Sunday, August 18 - Coyote Flats Gate Admission: $10 (kids under 15 free)

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About Coyote Flats Pioneer Village 

In 1982, Murray Barton, Evan Evans, Norm Richards, and Ray Pearse, all of Lethbridge, and Duane Dunn of Turin, originated the idea of a tractor museum, and at a founding meeting on May 1, 1982, they chose the name “Prairie Tractor and Engine Club.” They held their first threshing shows at the Duane Dunn farm from 1982 - 1986, until land purchased from Roelof Heinen, south of Picture Butte, became the home of “The Tractor Club”. 

The club grew into a Society, and the members have since moved many historic buildings onto their land to form a historic village. They have rebuilt hundreds of antique machines, and have on display tractors, binders, combines, threshers, and many other kinds of farm equipment from bygone years. 

The museum has grown from its original focus on tractors and farm machinery, to become a representation of a pioneer village called Coyote Flats. Every aspect of a homesteader’s life is represented in the extensive collection of artifacts. Annually since 1987, demonstrations of threshing the old fashioned way and a “Parade of Power” have been held on the museum’s property.

In 2009, the Alberta Museums Association recognized this site as a certified museum.

For further information, check out our website at prairietractor.ca or call:

John Rudelich, President - 403-732-4493

Vern King, Treasurer - 403-732-5996

Wendy Warren, Secretary - 403-394-9069