Prairie Farmer Logo

Here is your guide to finding helpful services at the Farm Progress Show site.

Holly Spangler, Senior Editor, Prairie Farmer

August 10, 2021

3 Min Read
two young men looking at show program at farm show
NEXT UP: Looking for your next exhibit? Check out the map in the center of the show program, which you can pick up at an information booth on the grounds.Farm Progress

Progress City is the home of the Decatur, Ill., Farm Progress Show, and it has all the services of a miniature city, including parking, public transportation, emergency services, public air-conditioned restrooms and more. Here’s a quick rundown of where to find services:

Show office. The heart of operations is located near the loading dock at the northeast corner of the exhibit field.

First aid. First-aid stations are in two spots — outside of Gate 3 near the field demonstration tram-loading areas and at Lot 1E in the northeast corner of the grounds.

Restrooms. Four permanent restrooms can be found adjacent to the food courts in each quadrant of the show site. See the center insert of the show program for the show map.

Lost children or items. If you lose a child, check the nearest first-aid station, information booth or the show office. Lost items will be brought to the show office or the Hospitality Building.

Information booths. These one-stop shops for information not covered in the show program or last-minute changes are located at the entrances to the Progress City exhibit field and at the intersection of Central Avenue and Sixth Street.

Jumbotrons. Huge TV screens at the main west entrance at the intersection of Central Avenue and Sixth Street and at the north end of Central Avenue will have updated schedules and other information.

Handicapped parking. Handicapped parking is available at the southwest corner of the exhibit field.

Golf cart rental. Golf carts will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can also reserve a cart in advance by calling Battery Specialists + Golf Cars at 866-275-2742. (See golf cart policies in the story on Page FPS 49 in the show program.)

Security. Security is provided for visitors and exhibitors. These uniformed individuals will ensure your safety and that of the exhibits. Individuals violating laws or vandalizing exhibits will be prosecuted.

Parking. Parking is located adjacent to the show site and is identified by colors. Remember the color of the lot where you park. The west parking lot is green, and the south lot is blue. Farm Progress is not responsible for damage to vehicles.

Food and beverages. Food and beverages are offered for sale at the food courts throughout the grounds.

Admission and show times. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for ages 13-17, and ages 12 and under are free. Adult ticket discounts are available at FarmProgressShow.com. Times for events are listed in the Daily Schedule on Page FPS 35 in the show program. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 2.

Transportation. Trams to and from corn harvest and tillage demonstrations run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trams load on the north end of the show grounds marked on the maps in the center of the program. For your safety while on the trams, keep your hands, arms and legs inside at all times. Adults should accompany children.

Special requests

Please note these special requests:

Remember your manners. Farm Progress works hard year-round to provide a comfortable, safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. Please be courteous to others. Do not engage in unsafe, illegal or offensive behavior.

Play it safe. Abide by all safety notices. Be aware of tractors and vehicles operating around the show site. Please make sure to stand a safe distance away from all operating equipment. Stay clear of all PTOs, and keep safety shields on at all times. Pay special attention at the field demonstrations and Ride ’n’ Drive areas.

Leave Fido at home. No pets are permitted on the Farm Progress Show site except service animals, which must be leashed at all times.

About the Author(s)

Holly Spangler

Senior Editor, Prairie Farmer, Farm Progress

Holly Spangler has covered Illinois agriculture for more than two decades, bringing meaningful production agriculture experience to the magazine’s coverage. She currently serves as editor of Prairie Farmer magazine and Executive Editor for Farm Progress, managing editorial staff at six magazines throughout the eastern Corn Belt. She began her career with Prairie Farmer just before graduating from the University of Illinois in agricultural communications.

An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. In 2015, she became only the 10th U.S. agricultural journalist to earn the Writer of Merit designation and is a five-time winner of the top writing award for editorial opinion in U.S. agriculture. She was named an AAEA Master Writer in 2005. In 2011, Holly was one of 10 recipients worldwide to receive the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Ag Journalism award. She currently serves on the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation, the U of I Agricultural Communications Advisory committee, and is an advisory board member for the U of I College of ACES Research Station at Monmouth. Her work in agricultural media has been recognized by the Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Corn, Illinois Council on Agricultural Education and MidAmerica Croplife Association.

Holly and her husband, John, farm in western Illinois where they raise corn, soybeans and beef cattle on 2,500 acres. Their operation includes 125 head of commercial cows in a cow/calf operation. The family farm includes John’s parents and their three children.

Holly frequently speaks to a variety of groups and organizations, sharing the heart, soul and science of agriculture. She and her husband are active in state and local farm organizations. They serve with their local 4-H and FFA programs, their school district, and are active in their church's youth and music ministries.

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like