By Cindy Ladage COLUMBUS, Ohio – John Deere enthusiasts will get a chance to enjoy attending the second Classic Green Reunion 2021 (CGR21), June 24-26 at the Columbus Expo Center and State Fairgrounds. “It’s open to anyone to come,” said Chris Boyens, president of Classic Green. It is exciting to think about getting together to celebrate John Deere green and everything related. The first Classic Green Reunion was in Grand Island, Neb., in 2019. A lot of planning and effort has gone into this 2021 event. Boyens added that exhibitors can bring anything John Deere or John Deere related. Examples include Waterloo Boy, Lanz, Velie, R&V and Letz. “Any year, any model of tractors, machinery, engines, lawn and garden, toys, consumer products or snow mobiles is accepted. We are what you call inclusive,” Boyens said. Registration is currently open at www.classicgreen.org. While registration is free and not required, Boyens said registration by exhibitors or vendors gives them an idea of how many are coming to the show and helps them plan. There are a few cool features at the CGR21. Darren Redding, vice president of Classic Green, is leading the CGR21 Snowmobile Reunion with exhibits of machines, memorabilia and sessions on the history of John Deere snowmobiles. Collectors might even get a chance to meet some of the men that raced them. “They will be doing the history and the differences on 4020’s and the features through the years,” Boyens explained. Chris Quick, from the John Deere museum in Mannheim Germany, is scheduled to provide a walk through for the North American celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Lanz Bulldog. The Lanz Bulldog was manufactured by Heinrich Lanz AG in Mannheim, Baden-Wittenberg, Germany. Production began in 1921 with the last bulldog produced in 1960. “We hope to have a row of them,” Chris Boyens said, adding he knows there will be at least one. There will also be a feature of John Deere power units. The Power Unit Roundup 2021 will include W, L and numbered series power units. “I’m bringing my HA92,” Boyens said. “Anything considered a power unit with a multi cylinder configuration will do,” he added. The Ridenour’s from Trenton, Ohio, will be hosting the Y, 62, L, LA and U Reunion featuring the series of tractors and equipment. “We are hoping to have a couple special exhibits at CGR21. A 1950 Model G that was donated to Classic Green is being restored by the Liberty Union FFA from Baltimore, Ohio,” Boyens said. “The tractor will be raffled off with the proceeds going to Liberty Union FFA and Classic Green. A Classic Green member also donated an 11/2 Model E gas engine to the Harpeth High School FFA for a restoration project that they hope to display.” Visitors will be excited to know there will be vendors and indoor exhibits; a tractor pull and a parade each day. “Everyone is welcome, we can’ preach that enough,” Boyens said. The reunion website lists hotels available for lodging. Looking ahead to 2023, they are thinking of featuring the 30 series and hope to announce where the 2023 show will be at CGR21. For more information, visit www.Classicgreenreunion.org or log onto their Facebook page. |