First Time Going to Big Show (2026)

[Thegearhead0324 1,430]

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 64,958]

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 1,430]

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 11,678]

Get her her own tractor - problem solved!

[Handy Don 16,181]

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 21 hours ago by Handy Don

[Ed Kennell 45,565]

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 12,928]

Be there 

And be square 

Red Square 

That is  

[Achto 31,457]

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 9,723]

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 45,965]

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 1,430]

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.  

[953 nut 64,958]

Here is a started  guide for finding where a few of us are likely to be hanging out                   if we are there at the time you stop by.

 

[c-series don 11,766]

I’m usually along the back wall of the exhibition building. However this year I might just bring stuff to sell? But you can find me walking around talking nonstop about Wheel Horse Tractors. Oh wait, that doesn’t really narrow it down to much now does it? That could be most of us here on RS ! Or how about this? That’s me on the right with my Work Horse GT-1800 and on the left is the guy that makes the show, the Master of Ceremonies Wild Bill Pearson. 

[wallfish 19,572]

Prepare to be WH amazed. If it's WH, it'll be there. And hang out for the ice cream social and cruise night Fri evening. 

Time will go by so fast that you'll think you time traveled and missed a day somewhere so try to soak it all in.

I'm fairly easy to find if you see the bike, so stop and say hello. Your welcome to take it for a spin too. 

 

 

 

 

What all is needed when I arrive there? Nothing except you're expected to have a good time. Park and enter the area. 

Is there a fee? Nope But as mentioned it's always a good idea to join the WHCC. 

I’d like to bring my 1257 to ride around on, maybe. Definitely bring it. It doesn't need to be a trailer queen resto and most tractors there are workers. 

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? Spread all over but you'll be able to run into many

I look forward to the show and see all the stuff and tractors. Bet you won't be able to see it ALL

I’ll be there Friday and then go back to the hotel and then come back Saturday. Hopefully that’s ok. Absolutely. No admission, no tickets no nonsense. Park and walk or ride right in.

 

Edited 15 hours ago by wallfish

[Easton Rich 1,103]

That poor snowplow 

[rmaynard 17,047]

A couple of things to remember.

 

RedSquare and the Wheel Horse Collectors Club are two separate organizations. WHCC runs the show. RedSquare is just a participant. However, some RedSquare members are on the staff of the WHCC and the show would be very different without them.

No tractors other than Wheel Horse are allowed on the premises. 

No charge to get in.

Camping on site is allowed at a fee.

The food concession is no longer in the same building this year but I'm sure everyone will find it.

[WHX?? 55,885]

4 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

The food concession is no longer in the same building this year

Run that by me again Bob? I don't see where they could have moved to? 

[rmaynard 17,047]

So as I understand it, the Church group that runs the concession never told the Wheel Horse club that the Lions Club owned all the equipment in the kitchen and that they have been charging rent of about $1500 per show to use it. The WHCC arranged to have them move up to the pit beef/dining hall which up and to the right of @c-series don building.

[Ed Kennell 45,565]

35 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

No tractors Implements, or parts other than Wheel Horse are allowed on the premises. 

Please join the WHCC for $10.   You must be a member to sell at the show.

[squonk 45,965]

38 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

So as I understand it, the Church group that runs the concession never told the Wheel Horse club that the Lions Club owned all the equipment in the kitchen and that they have been charging rent of about $1500 per show to use it. The WHCC arranged to have them move up to the pit beef/dining hall which up and to the right of @c-series don building.

Thanks Bob. That means old coots like me will have to walk farther!   It may also cut in on the Connecticut Salad Dressing Expo and Lounge under the Pavilion.

 

The good news is there's more shade there for those standing in line.

[Ed Kennell 45,565]

15 minutes ago, squonk said:

old coots like me will have to walk farther!

A bit closer for old Ed Dog.

[953 nut 64,958]

58 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

The WHCC arranged to have them move up to the pit beef/dining hall which up and to the right of @c-series don building.

So this will be the new food location, Guess @stevebo and company will be first in line since they hang out up there polishing te*&$.       

[Thegearhead0324 1,430]

Hopefully I find most of you at the show, looking forward to the event. I’ll be sure to join the WHCC. I appreciate you all giving me info about the show. 

[rmaynard 17,047]

1 hour ago, Thegearhead0324 said:

 I’ll be sure to join the WHCC. I appreciate you all giving me info about the show. 

Go to their website wheelhorseclub.com and download an application.

Existing members can pay via PayPal

[Ed Kennell 45,565]

You can go to the Red Square Calander  to view more information on the WHCC show.