While tractors, planters and combines are sure to thrill the farmers in everyone’s household, others may be less than impressed with the massive amount of iron available for ogling at the Farm Progress Show.

Forsyth Mayor Marilyn Johnson has the perfect solution for farm families who want to do two different things over the course of a show day. Simply drop off the showgoers at the Hickory Point Mall free shuttle service. Two buses will run continuously throughout each show day, starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m.

“This way, Mom can use the car to go shopping while Dad enjoys the show,” Johnson explains. “Plus, the shuttles drop you off at the front gate, so you don’t have to walk as far from the parking lot.”

In addition to the Hickory Point Mall Shuttle, the city of Decatur will provide free rides from the downtown Transit Center to the Farm Progress Show. Those buses also run from roughly 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The shuttles are provided courtesy of a joint partnership between the village of Forsyth and the Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“We hope families will take advantage of the free transportation,” says Teri Hammel, executive director of the Decatur Area CVB. “It’s a great way to maximize your time and see all that the Decatur area has to offer.”

The Hickory Point Mall Shuttle bus will leave from the north entrance of the mall, next to Hobby Lobby, every 15 minutes beginning at 7 a.m. each day, Aug. 29-31. The last bus will leave the Farm Progress Show at 5:15 p.m. 

Route to shopping
Progress City is located in the eastern portion of Decatur, just north of ADM. The majority of the Decatur area’s shopping is along Business Route 51. From the show site, go west on Mound Road to North Water Street (aka Business Route 51).

Along North Water Street, you’ll find Target and Walmart within the city limits of Decatur. Continue traveling north until you cross Intestate 74 and you’ll enter Forsyth. The Hickory Point Mall is located on the west side of Business Route 51. For a complete listing of stores in the Hickory Point Mall, visit hickorypoint.com. The electronics retailer Best Buy is located on the east side of the road. In addition, two home improvement stores, Lowes and Menards, are further north on 51.

Also, downtown Decatur has plenty of boutique shopping. Check out the Brass Horn for fine men’s clothing and Giggles, an eclectic gift shop. If you get hungry, Del’s Popcorn Shop is the perfect snack stop.

For more information about the Farm Progress Show, Aug. 29-31, see FarmProgressShow.com.