Exhibitor Rules & Regulations

The Board of Directors reserves the right to enact additional safety rules as needed and without notice. They reserve the right to order any exhibit shut down if they deem it to be unsafe or otherwise inappropriate and to order any equipment or persons to be removed from the grounds for any reason. Your presence on the property of the Union Thresherman, Inc. signifies your acceptance of the following terms and conditions.

1.  All members, exhibitors, or participants have an obligation to advise a club member of any condition considered to be unsafe. If the situation is not corrected, please contact a member of the Board of Directors immediately.
2.  The consumption of alcoholic beverages while operating any equipment is strictly prohibited.
3.  Cars, trucks, and empty trailers are not to be parked in the display areas or the general parking lot during show hours. Must park in the trailer parking lot.
4.  Dogs allowed at designated campsite only. Service animals are exempt.
5.  Golf carts and all other motorized vehicles (Gators, lawn tractors, homemade tractors, etc.) must register in the Welcome Barn and receive a registration card (with proof of insurance) to operate during show hours. Registration cards are issued only to those who are disabled and to those who are on official club business. Registration cards must be displayed on the vehicle in plain view. The card is issued to a person or an organization, and the recipient of the card will be held accountable for the actions of the vehicle carrying it. Such vehicles are to be driven slowly and carefully, not exceeding a speed of 5 miles per hour.  “Joyriding” is prohibited. Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs are exempt from this rule.
6.  All engines, tractors, and driven machinery must be in safe working condition. Special attention should be given to items such as flywheel keys, fuel lines and connections, fuel tanks, and lock wires.
7.  Engines must not be operated at speeds above what they were built for.
8.  Tractors and other vehicles will not carry more passengers than they were designed for. Steam and Prairie-type tractors need two (2), not to exceed three (3) spotters and a driver. Riding on fenders is prohibited. Tractor operators must possess a valid driver’s license, and those under the age of 18 must possess a certificate of completion from a Tractor Safety Course, presentable upon demand. A speed limit of 5 miles per hour is in effect at all times.
9.  Use your good judgment in operating machinery of any kind and always be on the lookout for spectators and other exhibitors; they may not see you. Move slowly and cautiously, and be prepared to stop at any time.
10.  Tractors must not be left in gear idling with the clutch disengaged.
11.  No equipment may be left running unattended; engines and tractors doing belt work must have a qualified operator with them at all times.
12.  All operating equipment must be roped off from spectators, including drive belts, chains, and rotating shafts.
13.  Do not refuel engines or tractors while running or while hot.
14.  All exhibitors are urged to have a fire extinguisher with their display and know how to use it.
15.  Exhaust must be muffled whenever possible and pointed away from spectators.
16.  Leave ample room between running engines to allow you to move around them safely.
17.  Keep your hands and clothing clear of moving parts. Avoid loose clothing around running machinery. If you need to make an adjustment, shut the machinery down to do it.
18.  All steam engines must be in compliance with Wisconsin rules and have a current Wisconsin inspection. Safety valves, sight glasses, tri-cocks, and fusible plugs must be in good working order. No one may fire a boiler without checking the true water level in the boiler, ensuring that the tri-cocks are functional, and that the sight glass shut-off valves are open.
19.  Exhibitor shall be solely responsible for any loss, damage, disappearance, or other casualty to any of its personal property, including vehicles, equipment, and supplies, caused by accident, negligence of any person or entity, theft, natural disaster, or otherwise, or other reason, and shall indemnify and hold the Union Thresherman, Inc. Indemnities harmless from any and all claims arising from the same. The exhibitor shall be solely responsible for protecting the exhibitor’s personal property.

We hope you have a safe and fun show!

Board Adopted: 5/1/2024
Revised: 2/18/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to all our sponsors for helping make the Union Thresheree possible. Your generosity keeps Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage alive and brings the Thresheree to life for generations to enjoy.