John Deere collectors to mark 50 years of hydro power
HORICON - If you think Green Bay Packers fans are the only ones that worship the green and gold, you're forgetting another legion of fans that are loyal to those colors—John Deere owners.
More than 1,000 John Deere garden tractors of all models will be displayed along with a variety of lawn and garden tractor memorabilia when John Deere collectors and fans gather to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the hydro-powered lawn and garden tractors originally built by Deere and Company. The Weekend of Freedom Machines will be held July 27-29.
"We had a similar event in 2013 and more than 5,000 people attended representing 37 different states and three Canadian provinces. All signs are pointing to this event being as successful as the last," said Wendy Artman.
The event will be held at the Dodge County Fairgrounds west of Horicon on Highway 33.
The show sponsored by John Deere Horicon Works and "Lawn & Garden Tractor Magazine" will feature a wealth of exhibits including rare and collectible pieces and memorabilia displays, swap meet and a daily parade of tractors.
At least 1,000 John Deere garden tractors of all models will be on display, along with a variety of lawn and garden tractor memorabilia. A large collection of vintage John Deere snowmobiles will also be on display.
According to the event's Facebook page all models of John Deere lawn and garden tractors are welcome to exhibit at this free event. The center of attention, however, will be the 1968 model 140. Roughly 9,000 140’s were made in 1968, all in Horicon. Organizers expect hundreds to be on display.
A special model of interest includes the U.S. Navy-issued model 140 that was built to work on aircraft carriers in the early 1970s. Other highly collectible tractors to be displayed include the John Deere model 110 prototype built in 1962. This well-known branded prototype used a John Deere Model 140 painted in construction yellow and custom color “patio” tractors that are now highly collectible machines.
Of special interest to collectors and enthusiast will be question and answer sessions with John Deere employees who built many of the represented models of tractors, snowmobiles and attachments.
Among guest speakers is Jack Hoffman, former division engineer for John Deere Horicon Works Lawn & Garden tractor division starting in April 1967. Hoffman played a prominent role in the 140 garden tractor and patio tractor program and continued to work through the snow sled era.
John Deere factory tours will also be offered to attendees.
The event is free and open to the public. The grounds will also feature food vendors, campsites and free parking. For more information visit the event's Facebook page at More information on the event can be found by visiting the event’s Facebook page at https://bit.ly/2JbYfhZ.
If you attend
Weekend of Freedom Machines will be held at the Dodge County Fairgrounds located on Highway 33 between Horicon and Beaver Dam.
Show hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 27; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 28; and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, July 29.