We are proud to announce the fifth Gathering of the Green – a special conference
for John Deere two-cylinder and new generation enthusiasts.
2008 Gathering Theme: “Preserving the Past” March 12, 13, 14 & 15, 2008
Holiday Inn, Moline, Illinois
Save the dates.
Workshops, evening speakers, vendors, tours of JD factories, activities for spouses, fun auction, opening night reception, keynote speaker and hats/pins.
Conference Registration opens November 1, 2007
Hotel Reservations: 309-762-8811
Check this site for details as they become available. If you have questions, our info phone line is 815-246-9944, or contact Ken Reese by email. In the meantime, please read our "recap" of the 2006 conference:
A Recap of the “Gathering of the Green” 2006
An Abundant “Harvest in the Heartland”
Your central, northern Illinois, and eastern Iowa hosts…Deer Valley Collectors, Illinois Valley Two-Cylinder Club, North Eastern Illinois Two-Cylinder Club, and Northwest Illinois Two-Cylinder Club, hosted the “Gathering of the Green” on March 8, 9, 10 & 11, 2006.
How do we adequately describe what went on in Moline, Illinois on March 8th through March 11th at the 2006 “Gathering of the Green?” Unless you were there to experience the enthusiasm, the atmosphere, the activities and the camaraderie, words just don’t do it justice! Just ask any of the 1600 people from the forty states across the USA and Canada (England too!) who attended and they’ll tell you! As we look back on this one-of-a-kind event dedicated to John Deere two-cylinder, new generation tractor, and implement aficionados, perhaps a few comments from conference attendees will put the “Gathering” in perspective:
As near as I could tell, this show was spectacular!
My congratulations to your entire committee for hosting a wonderful event. There weren’t anything but positive passionate complements about every aspect of the “Gathering.”
I was thoroughly entertained for four days in a most enlightening atmosphere.
Thank you for organizing and sponsoring the “Gathering.” My only problem was that I couldn’t get enough sessions into my agenda.
We are humbled by your hospitality and graciousness extended to us before and during the “Gathering.” Everyone went beyond the call of duty to put on a most wonderful event. You have a venue beyond comparison.
Each “Gathering” gets better than the last.
My wife and I had a fantastic time!
It was a great “Gathering.” As a person new to tractor collecting, the information I gained put me at least into the learning curve.
How does it get better – hard to believe, but it does!
The work of the “Gathering” team goes a long way to promote collecting and keeping antique farming alive for future generations.
Displays, arrangements, workshops, banquet, vendors – everything was very professionally done.
Best three days of my life!
What a wonderful time we had at the conference!
Thank you again for extending me the privilege of presenting a “Gathering” workshop. You are to be congratulated for organizing a marvelous event. I planned for so long and had such a good time that I am experiencing a let down now that it’s over. Most of all I enjoyed the camaraderie of so many tractor lovers.
We had a wonderful time at the “Gathering.” We heard people remark that they had never been to a meeting of any size – let alone a group of almost 1600 people – where there were no negative comments. The decorations (displays) were elaborate, beautiful and informative. I respect anyone who has the talent to put together such an interesting and large exhibit. The event topped all the other Gatherings and all of them have been excellent.
We’re sure you’ll agree these were some splendid testimonials to the “Gathering!” Thank you so much to all who shared their sentiments with kind and thoughtful notes,
e-mails and telephone calls.
Finally, the following anecdote says so much about the “Gathering” - A gentleman and his wife who reside in central Wisconsin were so committed to attending that he arranged for his required kidney dialysis to be done in the Quad Cities so he wouldn’t have to miss the conference.
March 12, 13, 14 & 15, 2008
Moline, IL
Holiday Inn Moline Airport
The "Gathering of the Green" is sponsored by:
Deer Valley Collectors
Illinois Valley Two-Cylinder Club
North Eastern Illinois Two-Cylinder Club
Northwest Illinois Two-Cylinder Club
How do we adequately describe what went on in Moline, Illinois on March 8th through March 11th at the 2006 “Gathering of the Green?” Unless you were there to experience the enthusiasm, the atmosphere, the activities and the camaraderie, words just don’t do it justice! Just ask any of the 1600 people from the forty states across the USA and Canada (England too!) who attended and they’ll tell you! As we look back on this one-of-a-kind event dedicated to John Deere two-cylinder, new generation tractor, and implement aficionados, perhaps a few comments from conference attendees will put the “Gathering” in perspective:
We had a wonderful time at the “Gathering.” We heard people remark that they had never been to a meeting of any size – let alone a group of almost 1600 people – where there were no negative comments. The decorations (displays) were elaborate, beautiful and informative. I respect anyone who has the talent to put together such an interesting and large exhibit. The event topped all the other Gatherings and all of them have been excellent.