Five dollars can go a long way in rural Missouri.

That’s how much a button - which is the attendance pass to all shows and events at the 52nd annual Mark Twain Old Threshers in Paris- costs.

Old Threshers kicks off this Thursday, July 8, and runs through Saturday, July 10. And while it’s been said before: There truly is something for everyone at this year’s event. Just ask Old Threshers president, Angela Fields. Fields has been active in the festival for 11 years, and a lot has changed since she first signed on.

“The event has changed tremendously,” Fields said. “We have grown considerably over the years.”

Considerably indeed. When she joined, there were five tractors and five vendors taking part. Today, there are as many as 85 to 90 tractors - maybe more - and anywhere from 15 to 40 vendors.

Even though she’s an Old Threshers veteran, Fields still gets excited about all it has to offer. And yes, she has some items on her can’t-miss list.

“Some of my favorite attractions are, of course, anything that’s horse-related,” she said. “I was raised with horses all my life. But I love just being able to watch the tractors and the gas engines.”

What really makes the Old Threshers come to life is the folks who attend.

“I love to interact with all of the people,” Fields said. “We have become one big family in the last 11 years and it’s so much fun to see the people return year after year.”

New this year are the draft horse games, something that’s garnering a lot of buzz. There’s also a cornhole tournament, which is expected to draw a lot of participation.

There’s plenty of music, including Kelly Stanford Thursday night at 5:30, the Clay Clear Band Friday night at 8, and the Show Me Dulcimer Club, which will perform throughout the day Saturday.

Besides music, there are tractors, tractors and more tractors. This year’s featured make is John Deere, but all makes are welcome. There’s an antique truck and car show - the featured model is Chevrolet - tractor games, a baby contest, flea market, a pony pull and more.

Oh yeah, and there’s food.

“I would recommend if people like fish to come to our fish fry on Thursday night,” said Fields.”We have had the best compliments on our fish.”

Fish is prepared by the Madison West Monroe Fire Department.

“Then we also have people that come and eat the barbecue pork steak,” Fields added. “And that’s the only reason they buy a button is because we have fabulous pork steak,” adding, “the walking tacos are one of the big winners for the whole show.”

Attending the area’s Old Threshers events is an annual pilgrimage for many. For those not familiar with what they entail, Fields has some insight.

“They can expect to see some really sharp antique tractors that have all been restored and look like new,” she said. “They can also see the old-time gas engines - I do know there will be one there that will be hooked to an ice cream freezer making homemade ice cream.

“There’s so many things to see and ask questions about. It’s really hard to bring up everything so I would just invite everyone to come and join us and have a good time and visit and enjoy the fun.”

Kids 12 and under are free with an adult.

The Mark Twain Old Threshers is held at the Paris Fairgrounds. For more on the Old Threshers, visit marktwainoldthreshers.com.