July 10th, 2025
Download a PDF of the minutes here
Call to Order
Brad called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick
Lane called the roll. There were 11 directors, and 46 members and guests present.
Secretary's Report -Andy Rousonelos
Brad asked if everyone had received their minutes, and if there were any additions or corrections. Terry made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Dave seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.
Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina
Fred reported we had income including $7120 from show banners, $300 from Interstate Battery to sponsor the Garden Tractor Pull, and $400 from our website banner. Expenses included $2963.70 for a new sawmill blade, and $485 for advertising. Alan made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Larry, and it was passed by all present. Fred added that all bills he has received to date are paid in full.
Old Business
Brad commented that we had an excellent treasurers report going into the show, and wanted to thank all of our members for their hard work towards collecting sponsorships and donations.
Brad gave a review of the Sandwich engine show, where we sold 116 raffle tickets. The crowd was thin due to the heat, but many of their small engine exhibitors are interested in coming to our show. Thanks to Chuck, Russ, & Sharon for their help selling tickets.
The TSC Tractor discovery day went well. The weather was nice, and Eugene served a great lunch for the volunteers. Lots of fliers were handed out, and raffle tickets sold.
Andy reported that the Covered Bridge Tractor Tour in Indiana was nice, they covered roughly 110 miles over the weekend, and we had 8 of our club members in attendance. The weather was hot, but there was no rain this year.
Brian mentioned that the Manhattan Independence Day parade was a great day, we had 5 tractors and 3 small engines as well as our float. Lots of people in the crowd recognized our group and commented that they never miss our show. Lots of fliers and save the date cards were passed out.
New Business
Jeff reported that Art Downs will announce our pull again this year. The pull will follow the barnyard rules, returning to stock engine RPM requirements.
Dave mentioned that there will not be any conflicting garden tractor pulls with ours this year.
Kim has a few spaces left in the flea market and mentioned that all flea vendors will receive 2 wristbands for admission, as there have been issues in the past where too many are being passed out and hurts our admission.
Dave Kestel will be running the human tractor pull, so far there are 2 FFA & 4-H teams signed up.
The new sawmill blade was delivered and will be ready for the first logs at the show.
Jean has some help lined up for the office but can always use more helpers.
Brad and Steve want to show the progression of machinery with a lineup of the binder, an older combine, and Steve’s new combine; as well as some classic tractors right next to a new one. Jeff Brandau offered his JD 40 combine, and Chuck Uthe will bring his John Deere D.
Dan has the new wireless sound system, and will be ready to set it up for a trial run during the Wednesday setup.
Fence layout will start on Sunday, July 13, and lunch will be provided to the workers. Lane added that the usual worker lunches will be provided again Monday-Wednesday for setup.
Sandy has 8 food vendors lined up, and a breakfast to be served in the food tent on Friday and Saturday morning.
Andy reported that 4 racks of bundles were loaded before the meeting, and we will finish loading them during the setup days. Thanks to Eric, Aiden, Russ, Charlie, Ron, Jerry, Dennis, & Andy for their help.
Bob, Russ, and Jim have all of the roadside banners put up.
The setup days will be Sunday-Wednesday, starting at 8 AM, lunch will be provided for the workers.
Brad reported that we have many new sponsors, and most have never attended the show before. Please reach our to your sponsors and invite them to come see what we are all about!
Jess created an online signup for volunteers to use, and plans to use it for the Will County Fair as well. The travel mugs for our exhibitors were ordered, as were the notepads bearing the WCTA name to give to our sponsors.
Brian brought a copy of the showbook, which is 78 pages. The calendars are going into print as well.
Tractors for a Cure will have their annual tractor drive on August 16, they have raised over $60000 to St Jude’s hospital and over $660000 has been raised by the group since its creation in 2011.
Lane is considering June 6, 2026 for the tractor drive, but wants to collaborate with some other groups to prevent scheduling conflicts.
Lou reported that he and his wife have taken over running the appreciation dinner from Fred and Irene. The Will County 4-H food stand will supply and cook the meats at our cost, but they will cook as much as we need, and more as needed so we do not have too little or too much food leftover. The club will provide the drinks and side dishes. Please consider bringing home made desserts.
Adjournment:
Jerry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Pat and was passed by all present.
Meetings:
August 14 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM
Upcoming Events
Northern Illinois Steam Power Club show August 7-10
Will County Fair August 20-24
Half Century of Progress Show August 21-24
Central States Threshermen’s Reunion August 28-September 1
Rock River Thresheree August 29-September 1
