MACOMB, Ill. — The 52nd annual Western Illinois University Ag Mech Club's Farm Expo is returning from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18. Festivities will take place in Macomb's Western Hall.
The event is considered the largest student-run agricultural event in the country. Displays of farm tractors and machinery, ag management, emerging technology, conservation and ag structures, sales and service, livestock and crop supplies and more will be ready for visitors.
Craft vendors will be placed upstairs as well as free children's activities such as bouncy houses, glitter tattoos and face painting.
WIU faculty and students will also be on hand displaying research.
Beyond the actual farm show, WIU Aggies will also host an Aggies and Friends social at the Park Place in Macomb from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on February 17. It's a chance for alumni to visit with fellow Leathernecks and learn what's happening at the school's agricultural department. Distinguished alumni will be honored.
Registration for the social is $10 or $5 for WIU students. You can register here.
"The Ag Mech Club has been providing residents of west-central Illinois and the tri-state region the opportunity to explore the agricultural industry first-hand by touring the Ag Expo, since 1970." said Andrew Baker, WIU School of Agriculture Director in a press release. "The members of the Ag Mech Club dedicated a substantial amount of time and effort in converting Western Hall into the largest student-run Ag Expo in the country. This event is one of the premier annual events that the School of Agriculture hosts and we are super excited to welcome the general public to explore the agriculture industry by visiting all of the vendors at the Ag Expo."
Two of the students helping run the farm expo, Molly Reed and James Bierman, joined The Current on News 8 to discuss the event and what visitors can look forward to, as well as what it's like to have such an opportunity as students. You can watch their full interview in the above video.
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