Hey all you tractor enthusiasts out there. The 2007 Half Century of Progress Show is about to start, but I'm not going to be able to go this year.

I'm very disappointed, but I hope some of you are planning to go and can tell all our readers about it when you get back.

If you've never been, or you want to know more about it, check out the show's website, www.halfcenturyofprogress.org. It looks really neat.

For those of you who have never gone, I recommend you taking the time to drive up to Rantoul, Ill. to the National Aviation Center. It's a great one-day trip and you'll see all the antique tractors and equipment you would want to see.

I went two years ago and had a great time looking at the old Masseys, Farmalls, John Deeres and other well-known (and some not so well-known) models.

I'm not sure how they do it, but the fields of corn and beans are ripe for the harvest and it's great fun to watch those old machines cut their way through the harvest.

There's also an auction, plenty of vendor and food booths and if you run out of things to do, step over to the airplane hangars and look at some historic military aircraft too.

If you're planning to go, make sure to bring your walking shoes. Remember, it's an airport, so there's lots of room to spread out. I saw a lot of people driving John Deere Gators and four-wheelers around, but I don't know how to make those arrangements. Actually there were so many, it was kind of annoying.

Anyway, go to the website, check it out, and plan to attend the 2007 Half Century of Progress Show in Rantoul, Ill. Aug. 23-26. You'll be glad you did.

Oh yes, and please take pictures and share your stories on this blog when you get back.