For those attending the Farm Progress Show looking for a place to relax or shop for a gift, the Rural Life Tent is the place to go!

Interested in the latest style trends and fashionable looks for men, women and children, perhaps sharpen your sewing skills, maybe it's time to consider a new piece of jewelry or listen to a country band, the Rural Life tent has a variety of programs to interest everyone.

Arts and crafts

The arts and crafts exhibitors will be located in the Rural Life Tent. You'll find one-stop shopping for that unique item or you can get a jump start on your holiday shopping. A terrific group of folks will be selling their wares with a variety of items for sale during the show.

COUNTRY MUSIC: The show put on by the Battle Creek band is loaded with down-home country humor and fantastic country music.

A sampling includes quilt and fabrics, jewelry, embroidered items, handmade soap, appliquéd clothing, pottery, blankets and crochet pieces.

So, be sure not to miss this opportunity to see handmade items at a reasonable price!

Country music

Battle Creek has been entertaining folks in Central Illinois since 1985 with great Country Music. Their "Family-Friendly" performances contain elements of a Branson Theater, The Grand Ole Opry and a Texas Dance Hall. They connect with audiences of all ages with a mixture of Country Music (Old & New), clever original songs, and Oldies Rock n' Roll.  Band members include Bill Moore on drums and vocal, Wes Wheeler playing the guitar and vocals, Randy White on the guitar and fiddle and Steve Reynolds playing the bass and vocals.

Each show is filled with down-home humor, fun and lots of great country music! Battle Creek Band loves the music they play and it shows! After walking around the show, have a seat in the Rural Life Tent and listen to this entertaining musical group.

Fashion show

If you're looking for some new ways to add a little country flair to your wardrobe, you won't want to miss the Farm Progress Fashion Show in the Rural Life tent each day at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

A joint production of our sister publication Tack 'n Togs and Circle H Boot & Western Store in Wapella, Ill., the 30-minute show will showcase the latest fashions for everyday as well as a night on the town. And you'll learn how to change up a look to add variety and style without a lot of cost.

So come check out the new colors and styles and find out how to bring it all together to create a style all your own no matter what your body size or shape.

Accessorizing for the everyday woman

Want to put some pizzazz into your fall wardrobe but aren't sure how to do it?  Jewelry is a great way to make your everyday clothes transition into a stylish and trendy look without the expense of an entire new wardrobe each season. 

In this 30 minute "workshop" you will learn how to take your look from Simple to Sensational by utilizing the Cookie Lee's creative multi-functional necklaces and matching pieces.  You will learn how to take your look from day to evening or how to make your outfits "pop" with just the right pieces.  Bring your girlfriends and join the fun in this hands-on presentation. This program is presented by Wendy Campbell and Erica Schrock with Cookie Lee Jewelry.

Quilting and sewing easy tips

Sue Varner of Sue's Quilts in Keokuk, Iowa, has a passion for quilts and looks forward to sharing her talents with the Farm Progress Show audience. Sue's presentation will focus on how to make a "hot dog" pillowcase, how to chain sew without cutting thread, making an easy shopping bag with one yard of fabric and making mitered corners when putting on binding.

Sue will have a booth in the Rural Life tent and will be selling fat quarters, 1/2 yard cuts, yard cuts, microwave potato bags, pillow cases, table runners, place mats & napkins, scrubbies and dish rags, free advice and smiles

Sue's Quilts has over 30 years of experience and specializes in everything from stippling to custom quilting.