Theme of the Half Century of Progress 2023
This year’s Half Century of Progress is coming soon! The show will be August 24-27, 2023, at the Rantoul Airport, at the former Chanute Airforce Base. The Half Century of Progress is the largest working vintage farm show in the U.S. Always the weekend before the Decatur Farm Progress Show, the Half Century of Progress offers a chance to view farming like it was fifty years ago! Since this year is 2023, that means that equipment from 1973, and older will be featured. The show is special providing live demonstrations, attractions, and static displays and more.
This year’s theme is Family Heritage Tractors!
Each year a feature, a special theme is announced. At the 2023 Gifford, Illinois Midwest Ag Expo, Annual farm show, John Fredrickson Co-Chair of the Half Century of Progress said the theme is Family Heritage Tractors. What a wonderful, sentimental draw!
A special place will be set aside at the show for these family heritage tractors to be displayed John shared. Heritage tractors come in a variety. They are father/son, several generations, brothers and sisters, and more. I can’t wait to see the equipment stories and where the tractors come from! I find when interviewing a collector that even when they have an extensive collection with rare and unusual equipment, that it is that family tractor, grandpas, or dads, that means the most.
“Make a poster or something to share the history,” John said. If each family tells the story of their tractor and displays that history with their tractor all the better! There is no need for tractors to be restored, it is fine to bring your family tractor in its working clothes!
This is the 10th Half Century Plan ahead!
Planning ahead helps. Reserving your room and golf cart makes it easier because they go fast. It is a big show. Golf carts can be reserved after March 1, 2023. Will you join in the tractor drive? Will you plow or just watch?
Whatever you decide to do, however you participate in this Half Century of Progress, just come and be a part of the Half Century. Bring your Heritage Tractor and share your story, it is worth telling.
