Half Century of Progress Rantoul, Illinois

lenray · Jul 23, 2009

Have any of you folks attended this event in the past????
Is it worth going to.

Son-in-law and grandson along with this geezzzer are thinking of going this year.

John (C-IL) · Jul 23, 2009

It's the mother of all tractor shows. It concentrates on equipment from the last 50 years. There is more than you can take in during one day. This is not a walking show, it covers about 1000 acres and there are 300 acres of crops to harvest and field demonstrations.
Half Century of Progress

earthmasterk · Jul 23, 2009

John (C-IL) While at the I & I show last week someone said that this would be the last show at the former Air Force Base at Rantoul. The rumer is that the lease will not br renewed. Do you know if this is true?

Jimmy D. · Jul 23, 2009

Attended the show in 2007, had a great time. Plan to go next month and carry some tractors. I would encourage anyone who likes old farm equipment to go. Understand every motel in Rantoul is booked for the week.

F-350 · Jul 23, 2009

Friends that have been there before say that its a great-great show. I've had my motel reservation made since January. Been wanting to see the 747 Big Bud and now heres my chance.

John (C-IL) · Jul 23, 2009

The current lease does expire this year. The Half Century has been a showcase event for Rantoul and probably the most successful event they have hosted. But, Rantoul politics being what what they are anything is possible. I don't have any first hand knowledge one way or the other, but the former Chanute Air Force base is exceptionally suited for the type of show that the Half Century is. My guess is that a new agreement will be negotiated this fall.

earthmasterk · Jul 23, 2009

Thank you for the reply.

led · Jul 23, 2009

Thought I would throw my 2 cents!!They do have a great show, I was there when 3 Case steam tractors pulled I think a 60 bottom plow breaking a record that goes back to the 50's. My wife who rarely goes to shows still talks about flush toliets, provided by a semi-trailer, one hell of a big potty.(Have spent some time in a country without flush toliets, this has stayed with me even though it was over 40 years ago)
Flying farmers could land at this show.
Led

Earl -IL · Jul 24, 2009

I would like to echo John's reply. One of our I&I spring meetings at Penfield, the mayor of Rantoul & the grounds director thanked our club & its members for the cooperation & the hard work of making the Half Century show their # 1 event.

Half Century of Progress Rantoul, Illinois

lenray

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John (C-IL)

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earthmasterk

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Jimmy D.

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F-350

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John (C-IL)

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earthmasterk

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led

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Earl -IL

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