Step back in time at the 64th Annual Antique Tractor & Steam Engine Show!
Hosted by the Will County Threshermen’s Association

 July 16–19, 2026 |  9AM–5PM Daily
 Spiess Farm – 13831 W. Joliet Rd, Manhattan, IL 60442
(Located near Wilton Center on US 52 west of Rt 45 – search “Will County Threshermen’s Association Show Grounds” on Google Maps)

 Admission: $10 Adults | $5 (Ages 2-11)
 Free parking

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Featuring:
 Allis-Chalmers & Single Cylinder Engines
 All makes and models welcome!

Celebrating 250 Years of the USA through agriculture, heritage, and community.

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Experience four days of hands-on history and family fun!

• Fieldwork demonstrations including threshing, plowing, corn shelling, and saw milling
• Antique & garden tractor pulls
• Daily Parade of Power
• Steam engines, tractors, and vintage farm equipment
• Petting zoo + Kids’ farm play area (included with admission!)
• Human tractor pull + pedal tractor pull
• Craft & flea market vendors
• Food vendors and sweet treats
• Live entertainment and demonstrations
• Civil War Living History Camp
• Historical displays and agricultural heritage exhibits
• And more for all ages to enjoy!

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 Interested in exhibiting at the show?
willcountythresh.org/exhibitor-info

 Interested in vending at the craft a flea market?
https://willcountythresh.org/vendors

 Interested in sponsoring this community tradition?
willcountythresh.org/sponsorinfo

 View the full event schedule:
willcountythresh.org/schedule

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Follow the Will County Threshermen’s Association on Facebook or visit WillCountyThresh.org for updates.

#WillCountyThresh #AntiqueTractorShow #SteamEngines #FarmHeritage #USA250

Come see WCTA in the Beecher, IL 4th of July Parade! If you’d like to help with the parade, please contact us.

Parade Information

Date & Time: The parade steps off rain or shine at 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 4th, 2026.

Float Judging: This year's parade theme is "We the People — America's 250th." Float entries will be judged on theme, use of material, presentation, and best overall.

If you have any questions about the parade, please contact Village Hall at (708) 946-2261.

Come see WCTA in the Manhattan, IL Independence Day Parade!

Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. | Line-up at 9:30 a.m.

Line-up Location: 200 Second St, Manhattan, IL

Special America250 Enhancements

In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, the Village will feature patriotic displays throughout the community, including:

• Commemorative banners along Sharp Drive to Foxford Drive

• Patriotic-themed displays in grassy areas near Wabash and Arrowhead

These enhancements are supported by a $10,000 grant from the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority (JADA), which also contributes to Route 66 Centennial initiatives and local tourism efforts.

Join the celebration as this year’s Independence Day Parade is more than a tradition, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate 250 years of American history while showcasing the pride and spirit of the Manhattan community.

Bring your creativity, your patriotism, and your neighbors and help make this a celebration to remember!

Step into the past at our Tractor Discovery Day!

Join the Will County Threshermen’s Association for a hands-on experience with vintage tractors and agricultural history. Get up close to beautifully restored machines, learn how they were used, and enjoy a relaxed day filled with great photo opportunities for all ages.

This is a perfect outing for families, tractor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in local history and farming heritage. Whether you're seeing these machines for the first time or reconnecting with memories from the past, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Event Details:
June 20, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
5433 W Monee Manhattan Rd, Monee, IL

Come explore, take photos, and celebrate the legacy of agriculture with us.

WCTA Vintage Tractor Drive

Saturday June 6th, 2026

Join the Will County Threshermen’s Association (WCTA) Vintage Tractor Drive!

Proceeds of this fundraising event benefit WCTA.

Drive your vintage tractor on a scenic route through Will County!

We’re looking forward to another great day celebrating heritage, community, and classic tractors.

WCTA TRACTOR DRIVE EVENT SUMMARY

• Tractor Ride take off and end point is located at WCTA Show Grounds – Steve Spiess Farm - 13831 W. Joliet Rd. Manhattan, IL 60442

• Arrival for the Tractor Drive starts at 6:30 AM.

• Departure on Tractor Drive is 8:00 AM sharp.

• Tractors must maintain 12 mph during the ride.

• First rest stop destination: Don Soucie Farm, 7730 W North Peotone Rd, Peotone, IL 60468: water and cookie break

• Participant Tour: Rad Rides by Troy, 24 E. 3rd St, Manteno, IL 60950. Estimated Time 10:30 AM

• Lunch destination at Manteno American Legion Post 755, 117 N. Walnut St, Manteno, IL 60950. Estimated Time 11:45 AM

• Lunch available at participants cost, meal options will be Chicken Sandwich, Hot Ham Sandwich, Hamburger, or Fish Sandwich

• Second rest stop destination: Richard and Sandy Moran farm, 2685 W 11000N, Manteno, IL 60950: water and cookie break.

• This drive will be approximately 38 miles through Will County.

• Tractor Drive fee is $45 per tractor – includes hat, and magnet.

• Buddy seat rider $30 – Includes hat, and magnet (while supplies last).

Pre-registration is preferred for planning purposes.

For more information & registration contact:

Lane Heatherwick WCTA Vice President & Tractor Ride Coordinator –

Email: LLHeatherwick@gmail.com

Phone #: 708-372-1939

Maps PDF Here

Experience vintage farm history up close at Tractor Discovery Day 2025, presented by Tractor Supply Co. in partnership with the Will County Threshermen’s Association (WCTA). The event takes place on Saturday, June 7, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Tractor Supply Co., 2161 E Laraway Rd, New Lenox, IL.

Tractor Discovery Day offers a close-up look at beautifully restored antique tractors and early farm equipment, giving visitors of all ages a chance to learn how these machines once powered American agriculture. It’s a perfect outing for families, history buffs, and anyone curious about farm life in earlier generations.

The event is free and open to the public, with plenty of opportunities for photos alongside vintage tractors—a favorite for multi-generational families and social media alike. Attendees will also have the chance to purchase raffle tickets for WCTA’s annual fundraiser. This year’s raffle prizes include a kid’s pedal tractor and a collectible farm toy, with winners drawn during the 63rd Annual WCTA Show, July 17–20, 2025, at Spiess Farm in Manhattan, IL.

While you're there, enjoy browsing Father’s Day and seasonal offerings inside Tractor Supply Co.—a great stop for gifts, gear, and rural lifestyle essentials.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just curious about Illinois farming roots, Tractor Discovery Day is a fun and educational way to experience agricultural history up close.

WCTA Vintage Tractor Drive

The Will County Threshermen’s Association (WCTA) is proud to announce its annual Vintage Tractor Drive Fundraiser, taking place on Saturday, June 7, 2025. This beloved tradition brings together vintage tractor enthusiasts for a scenic 40-mile route through the picturesque countryside of Will County, Illinois.

The drive begins at the WCTA Showgrounds at Spiess Farm in Manhattan and winds its way through rural roads to Steve Issert Farm in Wilmington, where participants will enjoy a hearty lunch prepared by WCTA Director Brian Kestel and Member Brian Hennings. The event showcases both the beauty of Illinois farmland and the community spirit that fuels the WCTA’s mission.

Please note: All participants must bring and drive their own tractor. Tractors will not be provided.

All proceeds benefit the Will County Threshermen’s Association, supporting their ongoing work to preserve and promote agricultural history and traditions for future generations.

WCTA TRACTOR DRIVE EVENT SUMMARY

• Tractor Ride take off and end point is located at WCTA Show Grounds – Steve Spiess Farm - 13831 W. Joliet Rd. Manhattan, IL 60442

• Arrival for the Tractor Ride starts at 6:30 AM.

• Departure on Tractor Ride is 8:00 AM sharp.

• Tractors must maintain 12 mph during the ride.

• This ride will be approximately 40 miles through Will County.

Route Summary

• First rest stop: John Kestel Farm, 33749 S Marten long Rd, Wilmington, IL 60481. Water and cookie break

• Lunch destination at Steve Issert Farm, 21204 W Ballou Rd, Wilmington, IL 60481. Participants will enjoy a hearty lunch prepared by WCTA Director Brian Kestel and Member Brian Hennings, of pork, chicken, and sides).

• Rest stop: On the route near W Arsenal Rd and S Riley Road in Wilmington. Water and cookie break.  

• End point: WCTA Show Grounds

Fees

• Tractor Ride fee is $55 per tractor – includes lunch, hat, and magnet.

• Buddy seat rider $30 – Includes lunch, hat, and magnet (while supplies last).

• Lunch only for $15 must RSVP by May 31st. Lunch time is estimated to be around 11:30AM.

Pre-registration is preferred for planning purposes. Thanks!

For more information & registration contact: 

Lane Heatherwick WCTA Vice President & Tractor Ride Coordinator –

Email: LLHeatherwick@gmail.com        

Phone #: 708-372-1939

Payment Options

• Make checks payable to: Will County Threshermen’s Association

  • Send check, proof of insurance, and registration form to:

  • Lane Heatherwick 10805 West Barr Road Peotone, IL 60468

  • LLHeatherwick@gmail.com

• Or submit Payment Online via PayPal. Visit WillCountyThresh.org and click donate. Choose other and enter amount total. Add a note of: Tractor Drive. Please consider adding a few dollars to cover credit card processing fees.

  • Donate Click Here

2025-2026 WCTA Calendar

ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS OF ANTIQUE TRACTOR, STEAM ENGINE, MACHINERY, & WCTA RELATED PHOTOS.

Join us on for our Member Christmas Party & Silent Auction

January 12, 2025

1:00 PM

Wilton Center Federated Church (Faith Connection)

14101 W. Joliet Rd. Manhattan, IL 60442

This event is for members and their family/friends only

Please bring a dish to share

Donations are needed for the silent auction and all proceeds benefit WCTA. Ideas include: baked goods, gift cards, gift baskets, memorabilia, event ticekts, crafts and unique items.

Our September Meeting will be our Member's Only Friends & Family Picnic & Annual Meeting.

• Please bring your favorite dish to share. Sunday, September8, 2024. 1:00 PM.

• Charles & Jean Kestel Farm: 10917 W. Steger Rd. Frankfort, IL 60423.

• Any question call Charlie at 815-735-6050.

• If you would like to run to be a Director in 2025, please contact one of our Officers by Sept 1st. President Brad Eike 815-378-3674.  

🚜 Join Us at Bengtson Farms Summer Fest! 🚜

Event Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, June 29th, 2024

⏰ Time: Gates open at 11 AM (Setup begins at 9:30 AM)

📍 Location: Bengtson Farms, 13341 West 151st Street, Homer Glen, IL 60491

Calling All WCTA Members! If you would like to participate and display your tractor, please contact Kyle Tater at 815-710-0097. He will be onsite to assist with arrivals at 9:30 AM. If you can’t stay for the entire day, don't worry! Kyle and team will be there to watch over your machines.

About Bengtson Farms Summer Fest: Bengtson Farms is a premier fall festival and pumpkin patch in the Chicagoland area, known for its family-friendly environment, award-winning food, and a wide variety of rides and attractions. This event is a great opportunity to enjoy a day out with your family, explore the farm, and see some amazing tractors. Tickets and info: https://pumpkinfarm.com/

Let's make this event a great success and promote the WCTA show!

Come see us in the Independence Day Parade! Let's celebrate our freedom on June 29th at 11AM in Manhattan, IL. If you'd like to volunteer to be in the parade with us, please reach out!

More info at: http://steamshow.org

http://www.villageofmanhattan.org

Cash Bash 2024 will be held at the Will County Fairgrounds in Peotone at the North side of the atrium from 4-9 pm (approximately). Tickets are $50 each which includes your number in the cash bash board, admission for two, food and beverages (beer, wine, pop or water). The grand prize is $3000 along with other chances for cash prizes. Raffles, split the pots, silent auction and live auctions will be held throughout the evening. Watch for more information at our Facebook site as well. Sponsorships are available and we are looking for donations for the silent and live auction events. Please note: all sponsorships are due by February 20, 2024 as well as silent/live auction donations.

http://www.tractorsforacure.com/new-events-1

Come see us in the 30th Manhattan Irish Fest Parade!

Parade starts at 11AM. Arrive early before roads are closed.

The announcer is in front of Ace Hardware / Manhattan Bank.

We will know our number and the route closer to the event date.

If you’d like to volunteer to be in the parade with us and help hand out flyers please call Brad 815-378-3874

Learn more about Manhattan Irish Fest here: http://www.manhattanirishfest.com/home.html

👥 Exclusive Event: WCTA Member’s Only Club Tour of Terry Seggebruch Collection. Open to members and their guests.

📆 Date: February 24

🕚 Time: 11 AM

📍 Location: Terry Seggebruch Farm, 7490 Pioneer Rd, Morris, IL 60450

🍽️ Lunch Provided

Scooter Accessible

📌 Limited Capacity!

📅 RSVP by February 17

📞 Contact: Brad (815) 378-3674 or 📧 WillCountyThresh@gmail.com

✅ Sign Up at Our Feb 8th Meeting

🔍 Collection Features: Historical items and memorabilia from area businesses, agriculture, stockyards, sports, and more! Includes farm toys, trucks, antique tools, and more, plus a collection from Carol, his wife.