In 1996 we were blessed with the opportunity to acquire a property in Penfield that became the core of our showgrounds. In the years since, we have purchased and leased additional acreage for exhibits and parking. We now own over 200 acres for demonstrations, exhibits, parking and more.The former Penfield Grade School holds our newly formed I&I Farm Museum, as well as providing meeting space in the school cafeteria. The Club Hall provides more meeting space and room for activities. We have a sawmill, blacksmith shop, pulling track with covered grandstand, an entertainment pavilion, and much more. During the show, you'll find the Food Court just east of the School, with a great variety of food available, and don't miss the I&I Pork Pavilion operated by the hard-working I&I Ladies Auxiliary. They have the best pork tenderloin sandwiches you'll ever taste. We owe a great deal to the Ladies, their fund raising activities have helped improve the grounds, make mortgage payments, and generally upgrade our facilities.
The show opens each day with the flag raising, and demonstrations begin shortly after. From Noon to 1 PM is quiet time, then the daily Parade of Power begins at 1 PM on the pulling track and winds around the grounds, with the featured brand leading the parade. After the parade is over, it's time to pull! The big folks blow smoke and dust on the pulling track, while the younger crowd strain and sweat at the pedal pull in the Pavilion (there's an adult size pedal tractor too!). Each evening there is featured music on the Pavilion stage, and Church service on Sunday morning. There will also be music during the day in the Pavilion, a nice shady place to rest and enjoy the local musicians. And, there will also be a talent show one evening where you may get to see the next rising star! Or, take a turn at the microphone yourself.
We also have a couple of very rare items in our Museum, the 1903 Hart-Parr No.3, the oldest operating gas tractor in the world, and the 1961 International Harvester HT-340 Turbine Tractor, the only IHC built turbine powered tractor in existence. Both of these historic machines are on loan to the I&I Club from the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, Behring Center.
We also have a large flea market area with many parts vendors and general merchandise booths, you'll be sure to find some bargains here, and don't forget to check out the Trading Post consignment area operated by the Club. From tractors to spark plugs, you'll find a lot to look over there. For general show information, call Darius Harms at 217.694.4132 or Russell Buhr at 217.694.4551. Send Email to: historicfarmdays@yahoo.com , or write to: I&I Antique Tractor Club, Box 65, Penfield, IL 61862.