John Deere Collectors Gather to Celebrate “Weekend of Freedom Machines” and 50 Years of Mowing, July 26-28
Horicon, Wisc., May 8, 2013 – This summer, July 26-28, 2013, John Deere collectors and enthusiasts will gather near Horicon, Wis. to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first John Deere lawn and garden tractor. Sponsored by John Deere Horicon Works and Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine, this three-day event will celebrate the 1963 John Deere model 110 lawn and garden tractor – known as the Weekend Freedom Machine. Only 1,000 model 110’s were made in 1963, all in Horicon, Wisc. and dozens are expected to be on display. More than 1,000 John Deere garden tractors of all models will be displayed by collectors along with a variety of lawn and garden tractor memorabilia.
Although all models of John Deere lawn and garden tractors are welcome to exhibit at this free event, the center of attention will be the 1963 model 110’s. Special events include a daily parade of tractors, a reunion of 1963’s, a lawn tractor show and exhibit, swap meet, lawn and garden memorabilia displays, blacksmith demonstrations by the John Deere Blacksmith and special photo opportunities with legendary tractors. Of special interest to collectors and enthusiast will be several question and answer sessions with John Deere retirees who worked with the original model 110’s. Tours of John Deere Horicon Works will also be offered.
“This is a niche event for certain, but we all know John Deere enthusiasts come in large quantities and those interested in lawn and garden equipment are as passionate about their collecting as anyone,” said Kate Goelzhauser, editor, Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine. “We’ve been planning this event for months and have collectors joining us from as far away as Canada, Connecticut, Indiana and Pennsylvania. We can’t wait to see the variety of machines and fans that help us celebrate 50 years of mowing with John Deere.”
The Weekend of Freedom Machines event is entirely free and open to the public. Attendees will also have access to food vendors, campsites and free parking. For more information, visit the event’s facebook page. Event details are as follows:
WHEN: July 26 – July 28, 2013
• Friday, July 26, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 27, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, July 28, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Dodge County Fairgrounds
State Highway 33
Beaver Dam, Wisc. 53916
CONTACT: For registration and event questions Kate Goelzhauser, 812-455-5870, kate@lagtmag.com or Darren Redding, 765-432-2571, Darren_redding_580@yahoo.com.
