First Time Going to Big Show (2026)

[Thegearhead0324 1,421]

Ive always wanted to attend the show and this is the year I’m making it happen. I have already got time off from work and I’m looking into reserving a room not far from the show for 2 nights. I plan on attending Friday and Saturday. I plan on bringing the ol’ lady as well. 
What all is needed when I arrive there? Is there a fee? I’d like to bring my 1257 to ride around on, maybe. I’d also like to try and meet most of the good people from this forum but I only know user names, is there a spot “red square” usually has? I look forward to the show and see all the stuff and tractors. I’ll be there Friday and then go back to the hotel and then come back Saturday. Hopefully that’s ok. 

[953 nut 64,936]

By all means bring your 1257, lots of people riding around the grounds as well as a parade Friday and Saturday. There will probably be a Red Square group photo done since we are coming up on the 20th anniversary of the group.

There is no fee to be paid but it is a good idea to join the WHCC as a thank you for them putting on such a great show. Feel free to stop in at any of the shade tents and introduce yourself, pull up a chair and stay a while.

Lots of good motels in Chambersburg and Gettysburg, Many of us will be at the Quality Inn, Chambersburg. 

[Thegearhead0324 1,421]

Thank you @953 nut , good info to know. I wouldn’t mind joining WHCC when I get there. Redsquare has a 20 year anniversary that’s really cool, I definitely wouldn’t mind being in a group picture. I will be sure to try and find you and other folks. 
I also look forward to looking at all the goodies, shirts stickers etc, maybe another attachment…  I already know it’s gonna be an expensive event, the Warden is gonna see it all….  . 

[ri702bill 11,668]

Get her her own tractor - problem solved!

[Handy Don 16,174]

2 hours ago, Thegearhead0324 said:

I’d like to bring my 1257 to ride around on

By all means. Maybe another for your spouse?

 

1 hour ago, Thegearhead0324 said:

I already know it’s gonna be an expensive event

My strategy is to work out in advance the things I’m looking for and my target $. I keep the list in my pocket. I started this at my second show after getting home from the first one and realizing I’d not remembered to look for something I really needed.

One item on the list is my budget for unanticipated “oh I just gotta get this” purchases.

At the last couple of shows I’ve brought stuff to sell--that’s been hit and miss.

 

As for finding Red Square folk, my sense is that about 20% of the crowd are members, maybe more, but only a few follow the forum closely.

 

Quite a few folks bring a 10x10 popup tent, lawn chairs, and personal refreshments and set up shop along the parade loop (the food concession does a great job at fair prices, though). I suspect you’ll want to spend most of your time on the move, however, as there is a lot to see.

 

For the last two shows I’ve made and worn a “Handy Don” name tag but very few others wear one--ya just have to be friendly and start a conversation!

 

 

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Handy Don

[Ed Kennell 45,552]

15 minutes ago, Handy Don said:

name tag

I'll try to remember to wear mine.   Look for the Red Square banners.    And a trailer load of 5 gallon buckets.

 

[rjg854 12,926]

Be there 

And be square 

Red Square 

That is  

[Achto 31,449]

2 hours ago, Thegearhead0324 said:

I also look forward to looking at all the goodies, shirts stickers etc, maybe another attachment

 

Truth be known, Thursday is one of the best pickin' days, if you are looking for something specific.

 

It's also cool to see everyone lined up at 8:30am waiting for the gates to open at 9. 

[JoeM 9,721]

A few hot beds of RS guys. Just a sample, it is where I go when I am looking for someone or something. 

Position 1, these guys are close to the con-sess-e-on stand and have a well seasoned knowledge of who's / who!

Position 2, these guys like hanging out and know the trading ins and outs.

Position 3, these boys are always working on a horse, of course. 

 

 

[squonk 45,956]

We normally set up in the inner loop. The first canopy on the right closest to the concessions stand. Position 1. Look for a big gray Coleman canopy and a tall ugly guy. 

[Thegearhead0324 1,421]

1 hour ago, Achto said:

 

Truth be known, Thursday is one of the best pickin' days, if you are looking for something specific.

 

It's also cool to see everyone lined up at 8:30am waiting for the gates to open at 9. 

Thats cool, unfortunately tho because of our work schedule Thursday evening is when I’ll be on the way there, then hit the sack and Friday morning early will be at the show. I heard that Thursday is the best day for gettin what you want while gettin is good. The only thing I really want I already made plans with a dude to meet there, hoping he keeps his word. I have other small things on a list, mostly if I see something by sight.