For Release: 03/10/2009
Wisconsin Public Service Farm Show Opens Tuesday, March 31, in Oshkosh
Three-day expo draws visitors from Midwest and Canada
Green Bay, WI – The 49th Annual Wisconsin Public Service Farm Show returns to the grounds of the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh on Tuesday, March 31, and continues through Thursday, April 2. This year’s show features more than 350 exhibitors and is expected to draw thousands of visitors from the Midwest and Canada.
"Farmers consider this event a 'business meeting,' because there'll be a variety of products and services that apply to their operations," says Mike Kawleski, Agriculture Market Leader for Wisconsin Public Service. "This includes items such as tractors and field machinery and parts; feed-, livestock- and manure-handling equipment; ventilation systems; lighting; milking and barn equipment and supplies; financial, insurance and real estate services; and seed, feed, and fertilizer."
Kawleski adds that the show is "green" again this year since it will purchase its electricity through Public Service's NatureWise® program. NatureWise® offers renewable energy from wind and biomass resources in northeast Wisconsin.
Admission to the Farm Show is free, and parking is just $3.00 per vehicle. Gates are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday.
Kawleski says some outdoor exhibits and parking spaces have been moved this year due to some construction on the EAA Grounds. “However, there will still be plenty of parking spaces for everyone, and shuttles will provide transportation from remote parking spots directly to the show and back,” he notes.
Among the highlights of this year’s show are:
- More than 350 exhibitors throughout the EAA grounds.
- More than 800 indoor and outdoor booths covering the 10-acre show site.
- Free motorized scooters, manual wheelchairs and wagons for attendees who need mobility assistance.
- Seminars on precision agriculture, cellulosic biomass, wind energy, oilseed processing and other farm management topics.
- A silent auction to benefit the Wisconsin FFA, held each day.
- Routine medical screenings provided by UW-Oshkosh Health on Tuesday and Thursday only. Blood pressure screenings will be free, blood sugar screenings will be $5, and cholesterol tests will be available for $10.
- A food tent offering a wide selection of food prepared by non-profit commodity groups.
- On-site agricultural consultants from Wisconsin Public Service to answer energy management questions.
Another popular Farm Show activity is the Kiddie Tractor Pull, scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 1. This event challenges youngsters to test how far their pedal-power can pull a weighted sled, just like real tractors do at many county fairs,
Additional information, including a schedule of speakers and exhibitors, is available on the Wisconsin Public Service Web site at www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/farm/show.aspx.
Directions from north of Oshkosh: Hwy 41 south to Ripon Road/Hwy 44 East (exit 116). Turn left onto Ripon Road/Hwy 44 East to Knapp Street. Turn right onto Knapp Street. Bear right onto Poberezny Road. Turn left onto Waukau Avenue.
Directions from south of Oshkosh: Hwy 41 north to Ripon Road/Hwy 44 East (exit 116). Turn right onto Ripon Road/Hwy 44 East to Knapp Street. Turn right onto Knapp Street. Bear right onto Poberezny Road. Turn left onto Waukau Avenue.
Alternate Directions from south of Oshkosh: Hwy 41 north to Hwy 26/County Road N East (exit 113). Turn right onto Hwy 26. Turn left onto Poberezny Road. Turn right onto Waukau Avenue.
For More Information, Contact:
- Mike Kawleski
Agriculture Market Leader
920-617-2750
- Wisconsin Public Service Customer Service
800-450-7260