Get transported back in time with Froelich Fall-der-All Sept. 26-27
Old-time demonstrations are one of the major attractions of Froelich’s annual Fall-der-All, held this year on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 27, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (NIT file photo)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor
Let Froelich’s annual Fall-der-All celebration transport you back in time, to the days of blacksmithing, threshing, sawing wood by steam engine and making rope by hand. This year’s event will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 27, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For over 20 years, Fall-der-All has been a local fall tradition for Froelich, which is known as the birthplace of the first gas-powered tractor to propel itself forward and backward, created by John Froelich in 1892.
In true Froelich tradition, tractors will start off the celebration, with sign-up for a tractor ride beginning at 9 a.m. and the ride leaving at 9:30 a.m. It will end at Froelich around 12:30 p.m. Participants are also welcome to showcase their tractors at Fall-der-All through Sunday afternoon.
Throughout the day Saturday, and Sunday as well, Fall-der-All attendees can reminisce and enjoy old-time demonstrations.
“The kids can get right in there and learn how to grind corn with a rock or press apples,” said Froelich coordinator Denise Schutte, noting that demonstrations help attendees learn about a different way of life.
Hit-and-miss engines and tractors will also be on display over the weekend.
New this year is a kid’s fun zone featuring a bouncy house, games and other activities. H&H Toys will showcase small scale tractors and machinery.
Saturday evening, from 7 to 11 p.m., the band Pizzin in the Wind will play a variety of country and rock hits for a barn dance.
On Sunday, start the day off right with breakfast in the barn, featuring a hearty meal of scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, homemade applesauce and a beverage. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At 1 p.m., the kids can have their own tractor-riding fun with a pedal pull.
The raffle drawing will be held at 3 p.m.
While visiting Fall-der-All, Schutte encourages attendees to check out the Froelich Museum 1890s historical village, which includes Burlingame’s General Store, Froelich tractor replicas, the Cowell semi building, a warehouse, blacksmith shop, one-room school house, train depot and vintage barn.
