Florida Flywheelers reviews

I'm considering a southern vacation this winter and thought about tying in a visit to the Florida Flywheelers show in February. Can anyone that's been to this show lately give me the low-down on it? I understand it's a pretty big show. Can anyone confirm? How does it compare to other big shows like Rantoul, Half Century of Progress, Albert City, Mt. Pleasant, etc.? Does the displayed equipment tend to skew toward any particular era? Or are all eras well-represented? Stuff from the 50s, 60s, 70s? Would like to hear what others think of this show and whether it's worth making an effort to attend. I've heard about it for years but really don't know too much about it other than what I've seen is some photos/videos online. Thanks!

Ask John T. I think he lives there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They have a FB page that shows some of the activities. Personally I prefer the January show because it has better tractor pulls,
but it is definitely a must see. I have not been to the other shows you mentioned, so I cannot make that comparison.

Rich

You are likly to see just about any thing there -- lots of fun to be had. Dont go there looking
for parts for your stationary motor though --- the guys that once came with trailer loads of
parts dwindled out till ken meeks was about the last one then he got baned from crossing into the
states (he has now passed sadly). Stationary engine parts are few and far between . The majority
of the flea market is heavy duty stuff -- tools , lawnmowers and parts, truck parts , tractor
parts etc. tons of china / tiwan wares.
Tractor parade every day -- mostly 50's and 60'-- all I have ever seen was one steamer which is a
permanent exhibit. Lots of heavy duty construction equipment running in a giant sand box
(draglins , cats, biggest plow you will ever see -- all this stuff is from the 30's and 40's.
There is a good display of a gigantic snow engine that is started and run for the show. There is
also a engine shed with many old engines on display with some running.
The show / flea market is huge and is far too big to walk unless you are really fit - you need to
rent a golf cart or bring one . Even if you are a marathon runner you will likly buy some thing
large and heavy -- your arms will be 5 feet long by the time you get back to where you parked.

We have been going to this show for probably 20 years.

We live in Arkansas. Drive about 1140 miles each way.

We will be there this year. See you there.

Pretty much what 9001ron and old sarge said (always a "but") but if you need info or parts sourses for stationary engines see Ricky R across from the 12' flywheel engine building. Also stop by the IH buildings in the Village for info in general. Grant is usually there in building 1.

You're overthinking this. Its a big tractor show, in Florida, in the middle of winter. 'Nuf said.

It is a nice show and worth the time to go. Don't go thinking it will be Half Century. It is not. Lots of flea market. Plenty of
food. Rent a golf cart as the grounds are large. Very nice tractor parade. Tractor pulls each day. You'll see a variety of things.
As i said, it is a nice show. I have only been to the one in February.

I've been going there nearly 15 years on and off and exhibiting the past 5 or so I LOVE IT. Its NOT the prettiest tractor show out there and the fleas and junk are all mixed together OTHER THEN the feature tractors which are all together. There is a lot of junk (huge flea market) in the exhibit field, get used to it.

ADVICE FOR A NEWBIE 1) Spend at least 2 preferably three days, one in West end Antique Village one or two in East Exhibit
Field.
2) Spend one entire day and DO NOT GO OUT OF the Antique Village Area far West end of grounds on West
Main Street. Look in almost all of the buildings and exhibits, you cant see all of them in a day
unless you hurry then you miss stuff. Don't miss Bathcers Barn SPEND ONE ENTIRE DAY IN WEST VILLAGE
3) There are 76 Rows in the East Exhibit Field and reserve a golf cart is my advice unless you can walk a
lot. DONT MISS THE SNOW ENGINE at West end of Main Street still in exhibit field. I like the Cushman
Building and the big Green Oliver (Now John Deere) Building on far East end of Main St. and the Mack
Garage also on east end of Main St.

Its most crowded 10 to 3 so if you go early then lunch and nap then go back after 3 it can work better

This IS NOT the same kind of working show and as nice of equipment as Half Century (I exhibit there also) don't even think its going to be like Half Century. THERE WILL BE A GAZILLION GOLF CARTS and traffic jams and grid lock from like 10 AM to 3 PM. The daily tractor parade at 2 and cars at 10 is fun to see but it slows traffic. IT GETS CROWDED and long lines at food court in middle Main street area. It is what it is some like it some dont.

I plan to be at same spot in Row 74 Im often there but not always, stop n say howdy.

John T

Yo Tim, Hope to see you there, maybe in the IHC building, which day?? Shoot me an e mail..

John T [email protected]

Yes -- hands down beats looking out the window sitting at the kitchen table -- out door thermometer reading -40 on both Celsius and ferinhight watching a huge snow bank form at the end of your lane . Better to be answering questions like "yalls got them grippy type tars" " werrrs manytobah at?" " yalls live in igloos--- how do you heat them when there made of snow?"

Duuuuuude . For real !You get to meet John T. the famous electrical mastermind ! lol. It is a huge show with buildings of various dealerships . Model t assembly/ disassembly. Saw mill on steam tractor , machine shop.Row after row of good stuff for sale . One year motorcycle "wall of death" . Huge engine demo . I mean huge . The thing is quiet . For me with my knees I rent a golf cart and ride the swap meet , stop at the tractor pulls, a hundred bucks . No alcohol ! Huge grounds and well maintained too. Super fun day out !

Thanks for the feedback so far. I'm sure anything beats staring out the window in February. But I'm wondering about how many [i:72781769f2][b:72781769f2]TRACTORS[/b:72781769f2][/i:72781769f2] are typically at this show since that's the main attraction to me. And how long does the parade generally last? Frankly, flea markets turn me off... esp. the typical ones you see at tractor shows peddling old garage sale crap that usually has nothing to do with antique tractors and machines. Don't know why they allow those kinds of vendors in the door. Unfortunately, it sounds like they have a HUGE flea market area. I also understand the grounds are large and golf carts are everywhere. That's too bad. I understand that some folks need them but it would do a lot of other folks some good to get some steps!

Add advice for a newbe at florida flywheelers show -- there are fire ants every where!!! Very often a northener learns too late just how bad they can be . Very small ants that look insignificant but can sting and last 2 weeks or more . Ask around when you get there as you need to know what to look for.

If you don't like flea markets and a lot of golf carts running around everywhere, its probably not a show you would enjoy.

Best wishes and Happy Thanksgiving

John T

I'll put up with it if there are lots of nice TRACTORS to look at and watch in a parade or working/running. Sounds like it's one of the bigger shows in the country for sheer numbers of tractors but nobody has really chimed in on that fundamental aspect of the show.

I have been to it twice. If walking very far is a problem, rent a golf cart. Reserve it soon, like now.

I'm able-bodied and can walk all day. Thanks for the heads up, though.

Fire ants would be enough to keep me away. Saw those at Kisimmee at an auction one time. Now hardly will stand still in FL.