The Quad Cities will be seeing green again this March 16-19, as the ninth Gathering of the Green convention convenes at the River Center in Davenport, Iowa. This biennial event draws hundreds of John Deere antique tractor enthusiasts from across the United States, Canada and even from around the world.

The convention allows admirers of John Deere antique two-cylinder and New Generation tractors and implements an opportunity to attend technical/historical workshops, shop the massive vendor area, participate in tours of John Deere factories and other ag-related destinations, enjoy evening speakers, attend a fun auction and partake in the closing banquet.

GATHERING OF THE GREEN: It’s an every-other-year event for Deere antique tractor collectors, restorers and enthusiasts. Over the years, thousands of participants have traveled to the Quad Cities from all over the U.S. and foreign countries to spend time with fellow John Deere fans.

Highlight this year will be 60 technical and historical workshops
According to organizer Ken Reese, the River Center in downtown Davenport will also be filled with displays mirroring the 2016 theme, “Forge to Farm.” Reese says the highlight of the event will be 60 technical and historical workshops addressing multiple topics led by the best experts in the hobby, along with more than 70 outstanding vendors.

 “They just may have that special treasure you’ve been looking for,” Reese adds. Vendors will be offering  new, used, and reproduction parts; manuals; books; tires; signs; JD decals; art; clothing; and memorabilia.

The conference is organized and sponsored by four John Deere antique tractor clubs located in central and northern Illinois and eastern Iowa. To register online or to request paper registration, go to gatheringofthegreen.com. For questions, call 563-886-7383 or email [email protected], or check out the group’s Facebook page. “Put the dates on your calendar and plan to attend the Gathering for the full conference, one or two days or whatever your schedule will permit,” Reese concludes. “You won’t be sorry.”

People come from all over to attend the “Gathering of the Green”
This is the ninth such event, says Reese. “We are committed to preserving tractors and implements of the past as well as the legacy of John Deere,” he says. “This is a convention-style conference held every other year in Davenport. This ninth Gathering will be held March 16-19 in the spacious and beautiful River Center in downtown Davenport. In 2014, our last conference, over 2,400 John Deere admirers attended, coming from 35 states in the USA, Canada, Australia and England.”