Announcing the opening of registration for classes to be held at Steamer Hill in Rollag Minnesota on July 11 and 12th, 2026 aka. Rollagology VII. That’s right, our first classes were held in July of 2019 and we’ve had a pile of fun since!
In the interest of educating people in the activities that occur at Rollag during the Labor Day Weekend Show, a total of 6 classes will be offered on the show grounds on the weekend of July 11th and 12th, 2026.
Individuals are able to sign up for two of the three morning classes offered on Saturday and Sunday. They can also sign up for any two of the three classes offered Saturday afternoon. Sunday afternoon will be a chance to go to any of the class instructors for further information, questions you forgot to ask, contacts… etc., or travel home early if needed. Class registrations will be limited to 15 people per session, with the Ladies Activities limited to 10 people. No one can attend the same class twice that weekend. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and may be restricted in some activities.
Registration for the weekend is $40 and covers camping, lunch on Saturday and Sunday as well as the Saturday evening meal.
Saturday and Sunday morning 4 hour classes: (pick one Saturday and one Sunday)
This is a list of the Saturday afternoon 2 hour classes: (pick two)
Draft Horses and Horse Area Activities
This 4 hour class can have a variety of attendees. Those of us that have absolutely no idea how the tac on a horse works will get to know the names of the pieces as well as the proper way to put it on……….the horse! You’ll learn how to safely maneuver around a horse and do’s and don’ts that go with that. Then you’ll get to run the reins on a hitched up team and feel the power these animals have. For the more seasoned as well as the beginner, you’ll be introduced to the jobs that occur in the horse area both during the show and outside show time. You’ll meet the people that make it happen and learn where you might fit in with your specific interests. Instructors: David Biewer, Brett Lein, Adam Anderson and other horse area members.
Welding Basics
This 4 hour class is designed to help the beginner learn basic welding. You’ll be introduced to several metal fabrication welding processes including brazing, MIG (aka wire feed), TIG (aka heliarc) and SMAW (aka stick welding). The goal is to send you away with the terminology and basic understanding that can lead you to pursue something you may like or even some kind of welding machine you might like to purchase. Why Rollagology? Many of the repairs to our exhibits require some sort of metal fusion, and there’s been very few restorations that happen without some sort of welding. Instructors: Justin Malland, Andrew Nelson, Noah Dillon and other talented members of the show.
Understanding and Operating Stationary Gasoline and Diesel Engines
Late 19th and early 20th century stationary internal combustion engine maintenance and operation is a key Rollag function. In this 4 hour class, you’ll learn about hit and miss governors, engine timing and control. Magnetos and coil firing will be discussed in detail. Fuel systems and the parts that need maintenance to make your engine run well are covered. You’ll also learn where to go for parts, accessories and anything else needed to restore an engine. Perfect for the beginner wanting to know the basics of these old engines and the technologies that made them so reliable. Excellent source of information and knowledge for the novice wanting to restore “Grandpa’s engine” or “one that sits behind the barn”. The class is likely to change your view of these marvels of engineering forever. You’ll also learn how they start the big ones, it’s amazing! Instructors are: Keven Withers, Jeremy Withers and TBD experts in the field.
Depots!
That’s right, depots! In this 2 hour course you’ll learn the functions carried out in Railroad depots. From living quarters to communication hubs these marvelous buildings were the center of many communities. They sent soldiers to war, and welcomed home the heroic doer of good deeds. They received freight, welcomed the community doctor, and much, much more. Rollag depots serve many functions as well. You’ll get to tour our depots and learn the jobs that occur in them during the show. Instructor: Tom Hall
Ice cream Making and Scooping
This 1-2 hour course is mostly for you to enjoy the fruits of labor! Actually, you’ll learn the chemistry and physics of making ice cream. No joke, the process of cooling water far below its freezing point, butter fat separation, and sugar/water emulsion processing. We’re going to introduce you to the ice cream underground of WMSTR. There’s a huge effort that goes into the many ice cream stands operated on the grounds which has produced tremendous income for the show, but left a big void in the number of people needed to make the effort successful. Maybe you’ll even decide to take a shift in one just for fun!
We’re hoping the information will inspire you to join this much needed, but under recognized group of dedicated volunteers. Instructors: Experts in the field.
Ladies Activities, Sewing a Skirt (period correct)
This 2 hour class is an introduction to skirt making techniques used to make “hoop” type skirts and other pleated type seams. You’ll get the opportunity to sew this type of seam as well as learn the proper way to set up a machine and the fabric to get it done with a professional look. Don’t be shy! Bring your own machine and have fun learning or teaching. All ages are welcome but children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult. All skill levels will find it’s a fun couple of hours. Instructors: Cheryl Rotz, Steph Poegel and other master seamstresses.
Friday 7/10/2026 1900 – 2000 hrs. (7.00 – 8:00 p.m.) Kickoff/meet and greet meeting at the Mercantile
Saturday 7/11/2026: