Gathering of the Green takes place March 18-21
People passionate about John Deere are invited to attend the Gathering of the Green from March 18 to 21 at the RiverCenter in Davenport, Iowa.
“We put this show on for people who love everything John Deere,” Ed Vieth, the chairman of the Gathering of the Green, told Farms.com. “We’ve got more than 80 vendors selling parts, paint, and toys. We’ve got seminars on how to repair tractors. There are equipment displays and tours, and just about anything you can think of that’s related to John Deere.”
The biennial event started in 2000, and each gathering has a specific theme.
This year to coincide with America turning 250 in July, the theme for the 2026 show is “An American Original.”
This means shiny and restored tractors, like the John Deere B in Vieth’s personal collection, are making way for older equipment with evidence of its history.
“We’re bringing in pieces of equipment that have never been restored,” Vieth said. “They have the original paint and patina. They won’t be the prettiest tractors we’ve ever seen but they’ll all have so much character and stories. That’s what’s going to make these barn finds so interesting.”
And it’s those stories that help bring the show to life, said Vieth, who joined the organizing committee in 2003.
“It’s great to be able to use John Deere equipment to help people share memories with one another,” he said. “We have people who come from Canada, the U.K., and as far as Australia. People will come to the show as strangers and leave as friends based on a common bond with a piece of John Deere machinery. It’s pretty special.”
Anyone interested in attending the Gathering of the Green must register online.
A full conference registration costs $50 and provides full access to displays, speaker sessions, and event activities.
Anyone with questions can send an email or contact Marlene Perkins at 563-845-3298.