Davenport, Iowa – Thousands of antique John Deere tractor enthusiasts from across the United States and Canada are traveling to the Quad Cities, March 19-22, to attend the Gathering of the Green conference.
The Gathering of the Green is a biannual event for John Deere two-cylinder and new generation tractor enthusiasts and collectors. Over the years, thousands of event participants have traveled to the Quad Cities from coast to coast and from foreign countries to spend time with fellow collectors and fans.
This year’s event will be held at the RiverCenter, 136 E. 3rd St. in downtown Davenport, Iowa. With the theme, “Preserving America’s Heritage,” the convention-style conference will offer admirers of John Deere antique two-cylinder tractors and implements an opportunity to enjoy workshops and the shop the vendor area. There will also be evening speakers, John Deere Factory tours, a fun auction, and spouse activities.
More than 60 technical and historical workshops will be presented over three days, and 70+ vendors will be offering services; new, used, and reproduction parts; manuals; books; tires; signs; decals; art; clothing; and memorabilia.
The extensive displays for this year will mirror the 2014 “Gathering” theme, “Preserving America’s Heritage.” View significant tractors from yesteryear as well as interesting implements from the past. Take a tour though a machine shed and see a timeline of John Deere equipment. Watch for the John Deere silo in the RiverCenter Atrium.
Evening speakers include: Charlie Gause, Deere & Company (retired); and keynote speaker Ken Buell, Deere & Company (retired).
Pre-conference online registration has closed, but you can register and pay at the door. Full conference registration is $35, or purchase a one-day pass at the door for $10.
For more information, visit www.gatheringofthegreen.com.
Once again, members of the four sponsoring two-cylinder tractor clubs located in central and northern Illinois and eastern Iowa have worked for many months to put together another outstanding conference—Deer Valley Collectors, Illinois Valley Two-Cylinder Club, North Eastern Illinois Two-Cylinder Club, and Northwest Illinois Two-Cylinder Club.
For information on the Quad Cities, contact the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-747-7800 or visit their website at www.visitquadcities.com.
The Quad Cities is located on the Mississippi River and is made up of the riverfront Cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Moline, East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. The area is just a 2-½ hour drive from Des Moines, Iowa, and Chicago, Illinois. It is easily accessible via I-80, I-74, I-88 and several major state highways.