The largest student-run agriculture event in the United States returns to Western Illinois University this weekend with the 54th WIU Ag Mech Farm Expo in Western Hall.
The event, open free to the public, will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7 and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 8. More than 94 vendors will take part, with information, items for sale and giveaways, ranging from tractors and machinery, ag sales and service, ag management, emerging ag technology, livestock and crop supplies, conservation and more. Baked goods, home improvement, health care, arts and crafts and other vendors not directly related to agriculture will also be a part of the show. Numerous children's activities offered at no cost include a bouncy house, face painting and glitter tattoos.
WIU's Ag Mech Club President Owen Bull, a sophomore from Illinois City, said this year's show has a new feature: a presentation booth for vendors to speak about their goods, services and more. Food will be available for purchase from Alpha Gamma Sigma fraternity.
'I would like to give a big shout out to Arrow Head Land Company for sponsoring this year's show,' Bull added. 'This event is meaningful for us as students in the School of Agriculture because it encourages us to reach out to companies related to their degree, and it gets more students involved on campus.'
For more than 20 years, Dr. Karen Blakeley, owner and head veterinarian of All Pets in Macomb, has been taking part in the annual ag mech show at Western.
Blakeley, along with her husband, Eric, and members of her vet clinic, are on hand to answer questions and show off some of the adoptable animals currently calling the McDonough County Animal Shelter home.
'I know a small and exotic veterinary clinic is not quite 'ag,' but I have always felt like this is an important event for our community, and we like to support WIU.
It's also a great way for us to interact with our current clients and friends as well as meet new people,' she shared. 'The ag show is also the perfect opportunity for us to get animals that need homes some visibility. We try to pair up with the animal shelter and/or humane society to bring animals that need homes to the show, and some years, our staff will bring one of their own animals just to visit with the people or get some extra socialization.'
WIU Agriculture Chair Emeritus Ed Breece helped establish the University's agriculture education.
Working with students, the department, under his leadership, launched the first Expo in 1970.
Joe Medina was recently honored for his 25 years with the City of Macomb. Joe works in the Public Works Operations Department. Thank you for your years of service and dedication to the citizens of Macomb, Joe! Pictured, l-r, Director of Public Works Alice Orhtmann, Joe Medina, Macomb Mayor Mike Inman and City Administrator Scott Coker.
