Call to Order

Brad called the meeting to order at 7:04pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick

Lane called the roll. There were 10 directors, and 32 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. Jean made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Steve seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.

Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina

Fred reported we had income including $570 from the flea market, $760 from the garden tractor pull, and $295 in golf cart or buggy registrations at the show. Expenses included $1296.25 in advertising costs, and $3763.07 for fuel used at the show. Ron made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Chuck, and it was passed by all present.

Old Business

Fred added that most of the major bills had been paid, with a few outstanding. Brad also commented that with another year of poor weather, the Sponsors kept us going instead of the gate admission.

Brad started off the meeting by congratulating everyone for their hard work and announced how proud he is of the show and all our members. Despite the heat, rain, and Canadian smoke hanging over the show, we made the best of it and put on another great show for our spectators. Teardown and setup went smoothly, and we had lots of volunteers during the show.

Fred provided the numbers from the gate: Thursday had 108 adults and 52 kids; Friday & 219 adults & 49 kids; Saturday had 580 adults & 201 kids; and Sunday had 470 adults & 125 kids. These numbers do not include any of our exhibitors, workers, or tractor pull participants who do not enter at the main gate.

The winners of the Human Tractor Pull were Peotone FFA in 1st place, and the Will County 4-H federation with both of their team’s taking 2nd and 3rd place. 5 teams participated in total. Dave did a great job announcing the pull, and Chuck manned the tractor.

The addition of our Drive a Tractor activity was a success, using the club’s John Deere 60 with Chuck supervising and operating the clutch. It was a big hit and had plenty of participants for an event that was not scheduled or advertised in advance. Chuck reported that many of the drivers were adults, it was not just kids participating. He also mentioned that many of the families had never seen the grounds past the kids’ area because it has so much to offer and they spend their visit there.

Dave Kestel provided most of the flags and poles displayed around the show grounds, which we received many complements for. The large flag flown by the crane at the back of the grounds was received well and could be seen from miles away.

It was suggested that 2 more donation boxes be added next year, one at the petting zoo and one at the Drive a Tractor area. This was also our first year using credit cards at the gate, which helped greatly. We plan to streamline the process for next year.

New Business:

Unfortunately, we lost the use of Hiller’s Shed after it was all packed up after the show. Thankfully, Jim and Pam Robbins stepped up to store nearly all the items that were inside, and Steve agreed to store the scale and garden pull sled in his shed at the showgrounds. Thank you to Lane, Jim, Charlie, Russ, Bob, Chuck, Jerry, and Andy for their help in emptying, hauling, and re-loading everything at the other shed. Thanks also to Steve and Charlie for the use of their machines to aid in loading and unloading everything.

Andy is still looking to update the club’s asset list for insurance. Please let him know if you have any items stored, and he will set an appointment to come over and make a list and take pictures of the items. Our asset list is out of date, and we have had many items donated since the last time it was submitted.

The Will County Fair will be held August 25-30, and we will have our usual shed inside the gate. We will need volunteers to work in the booth, as well as run the golf carts to the handicap parking area bringing people in and out of the fairgrounds. Please see Jerry if you can help. Remember, this is our first event to advertise for our next show!

Andy reported that the 69th show has begun at Sycamore, and it is very muddy with all of the rain so far, and more forecasted. They are also experiencing a smaller crowd, most likely due to weather. Andy also reported that Sycamore made a nice sign thanking us for the use of the kids’ duck races at their show this year, as well as a Facebook post to show their gratitude. They plan to build their own for future shows.

The Central States Threshermen’s show in Pontiac and the Rock River Thresheree will both be held on Labor Day Weekend, with Pontiac being September 3-6 and Rock River from September 4-7. Several of our members will be participating at both shows.

The 2nd place winner of the open class for the tractor pull will need to claim their trophy, please see Fred if it is yours.

Bob wanted to thank Russ & Sharon, Tim & Amy & their twins, Andrea, Jay, Jim, and Carl for their help in the kids’ area. This is a staple at our show, and it takes a lot of help to keep running smoothly.

Brad announced that a total of 2276 raffle tickets were sold in 2026 between the pedal tractor and the toy.

Andy P Was pleased with the turnout for the Civil War area, with twice their anticipated participation. They had enough for Union and Rebel armies to be well represented. He said their association loves to participate in our show.

Dave announced that the Central Illinois Green Club will still hold their plow day at the Rodney Schwark farm in September, with Rodney’s son Joel holding it in his dad’s memory this year. Please speak to Jim LaMore for more information.

The next meeting will be held at our annual Member Meeting and Picnic at the Charles and Jean Kestel Farm, 10917 W Steger Rd, Frankfort IL, on Sunday September 13 at 1PM. The Club will provide the meat, drinks, and table service. Please bring a dish to pass for the potluck meal. This event is for Members and their families only. This meeting will also include the election for the board of directors. This year the following directors are up for re-election: Fred Lestina, Chuck Uthe, Brad Eike, Alan Heatherwick, and Andy Rousonelos. Alan has decided to retire from the board, and Kyle Lipowski has been nominated. If there are any other nominations, please consult Brad before the meeting.

Adjournment:

Alan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Russ and was passed by all present.

Meetings:

October 8, November 12, December 10 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM

Member Picnic - September 13 Charlie & Jeannie Kestel Farm 1 PM