July 8th to July 9th

Day 12 : July 8 INDIANA to ILLINIOS

We were underway by 7.45 for the long drive to Penfield for the I & I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club’s Historic Field Days. The day had started out bright and sunny but became quite overcast late in the morning and light showers became heavier as evening approached.

It was great to catch up with our good friend from our last visit to this area, Darius Harms, who is Vice President of the I & I Antique Machinery club. Darius and his wife Lois came a short way out of town to meet us and bring our contingent into the show-grounds, already filling quickly with all manner of tractors etc.

Day 13 : July 9 PENFIELD HISTORIC FIELD DAYS

After a night of heavy rain, we awoke to find the grounds teaming with every conceivable machine and many people making last minute preparations. Our tractors have had a very enthusiastic reception and many people have been around to ask questions about these unusual machines. Once again the press and TV were in attendance and then at 1.00pm it was time for the parade of tractors and this was again a lot of fun. Our Aussie tractors were invited to join the parade which they did with pride. The crowds are quite large but if the rain keeps away, tomorrow should see an even larger crowd. One of the special exhibits at this year’s event is ‘Big Bud’ an absolutely huge tractor shipped in from Montana This machine was built in 1977 and only retired last year and is a truly awesome piece of machinery. In the evening most of the group joined some locals for a few quiet drinks and lots of fun at the Deer Club. Word has it that some trekkers continued on to another local establishment!

Comfortable Campsite at Penfield Field Days	Dick & Ron give local TV interview
Barbara discovers the 'Flea Market'	'Happy Hour'with Delmar at Deer Camp
George, Kerry and Ron with locals Jo and Barbara	Allan, Darius and Neville
John Deere tractor pulls people mover	The versatile 'Dream Machine'
Young Avian is a John Deere Man	Darius, Max and Russell Commentating
Ron's message of thanks for support received	1938 Minneapolis Moline UDLX
1928 Rumely Tractor	1945 Pink Case Tractor
Dan Magness drives a 1970 Ford	Abraham Lincoln' pays a visit
Little Steam Engine with toddlers	Fireworks to End Day 3
Tractor Pull at Penfield	Friendly local explains corn shedding
Marvin Lee and 'Abraham Lincoln' at Gospel Music Service	'Big Bud' leads the 9G's in the Final Parade
Allan and Peter have the best seats in the house	Dick and Barbara check out cooking gear at Penfield