As I look out my window this morning there is about 2 inches of new snow on the ground and we have yet to put two decent days together since winter came. Bah Humbug! I really hope Spring is still coming. Our March meeting featured Alan Baker owner of Kankakee Starter and Alternator Service. His information was well received and we all appreciate him coming to our meeting. Thanks Alan! On March 31st approximately 22 Club members arrived at Rodney’s for Coffee, donuts and great tractor bench racing. For those of you who have not been to Rodney’s lately it really was a treat. You will get another chance this Fall when we will plow at Rodney’s. The first tractor ride of the season was last Saturday in a lot of sunshine but oh, that wind. It really is time to think about our good weather activities. We will have our Club ride on June 2nd with the Herscher Historical Society Ham and Bean Lunch. I just received a listing of all the Barnyard Class Pulling Events for the year. There are 11 listed so far this year. Art will help us keep up to date on this. It has generated some excitement especially among the young. The first 2 listed are Thee Olde Time Farm Show and the Bonfield 4th of July Celebration. We will get a list. Remember, Our Ride the River Event will come on the last weekend of Summer, August 25th. It will be here before you know it. We will be looking for sponsors to help us make our goal. Remember that at the end of the event the goal is to support our local FFA students and help them finance their future projects and education. Several CIGC members and I assisted at the Kids Day at the Farm event where approximately 1200 4th grade children passed through over 2 days. The displays were quite interesting and I do believe it was the first time some of the children had contact with farm animals. I felt that it was time well spent. Thanks to the members who helped. Don’t forget to charge those batteries before attempting to start! See you in May.  

–– Craig