By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Phil Jordan, Antique Engine & Tractor Association board member, stands in the new learning center located in the Lester Building, which is part of the main barn on the AE&TA show grounds where the Working Farm Show begins Thursday, Sept. 13. The 63rd annual show continues through Sunday, Sept. 15, at the show grounds, north of Geneseo on Illinois 92, three miles east of Interstate 88, or one half mile west of Illinois Rt. 92. The show is a popular attraction for residents and visitors of all ages, and is a family event with lots of activities for children, including train rides around the show grounds. Admission to the show is $7 per day or $15 for the entire weekend. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Golf carts and gator-type vehicles can be brought to the show, but the entry fee for those vehicles is $20 per day or $30 for the weekend.
For more general information, contact Phil Jordan, 309-314-5000, or Chad Jacobs, 309-314-0783.
The daily schedule of events – Sept. 13-15:
FRIDAY, SEPT. 13
-6 a.m. – Gates open for exhibitors.
-7 a.m. – gates open for visitors.
-8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – engine and tractor displays.
-9 a.m. – Raising of flag by AE&TA veterans.
-9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. – children’s activities and train rides – with the exception of Sunday, Sept. 18, when children’s activities and train rides will conclude at 4 p.m.
-9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – demonstrations including blacksmith demonstrations sawmill, threshing, wood carvers, cane press, horse farming and field demonstrations..
-10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – food stands open.
-1 p.m. – parade on show grounds, line up at feature tractor area.
-4 p.m. – lowering of flag.
-5 p.m. – gates close.
-5:30 p.m. - Ice Cream Social.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 14: - same as activities on Sept. 13 with the addition of:
-9 A.M. – Raising of flag by Durant American Legion Post 430, assisted by members of Boy Scout Troop 308.
-9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – field and grounds activities.
-After the parade, there will be a Kiddie Tractor Pull in the Food Building.
-3 p.m. – auction of donated items with pie auction to follow.
-5 p.m. gates close.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 15 – Same as Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 with these changes:
- 9 a.m. – noon and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – children’s activities and train rides.
-9 a.m. – raising of flag – Cordova American Legion.
-9 – 10 a.m. – church services.
-12:45 p.m. – 50-50 raffle drawing in main barn.
-4 p.m. lowering of flag and show closes.