GRAND DETOUR – Dozens of vintage John Deere two-cylinder tractors will be on display for public viewing during the 2019 Green Iron Days at the John Deere Historic Site, Aug. 2-4.
During the three-day gathering, guests to the Historic Site in Grand Detour, will enjoy seeing rare and restored John Deere machines, as well as some related brands, and will have an opportunity to talk with owners about the unique collection and restoration stories behind them. On Saturday at 7 p.m., the collectors registered for the event will have the opportunity to parade their tractors through the streets of Grand Detour.
“We host this event every two years and we are excited to welcome back regional collectors as they always make for a fun and entertaining weekend,” said Kristen Veto, manager of the John Deere Historic Site. “Their passion, hard work and enthusiasm for collecting attracts many visitors to this region to admire their two-cylinder machines. We are proud to provide a setting that pulls it all together, allowing guests to learn more about the legacy of John Deere products as well as John Deere the man.”
In addition to seeing a collection of vintage tractors, visitors to the John Deere Historic Site also have the opportunity to tour John Deere’s home and an archeological dig of his original blacksmith shop. The site’s blacksmith will also be on hand to conduct demonstrations throughout the weekend. Food vendors and a full gift shop will also be available to attendees throughout the weekend.
Tractor owners interested in participating and displaying their machines at the event should call 815-652-4551 or email JohnDeereHistoricSite@JohnDeere.com. Registration is free, but all equipment must be from 1979 or earlier.
The John Deere Historic Site is a free attraction and is open seasonally, March through December. Located in Grand Detour, the site is the original Illinois homestead of John Deere and is the location where he built his first successful “self-scouring” steel plow. It was recently named one of Illinois’ top historic sites by the Illinois Bicentennial Commission. Gates open daily, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, Nnoon-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information about Green Iron Days or the John Deere Historic Site, go to www.VisitJohnDeere.com.
