(NAPSA)—Did you know that the first cast iron plow was patented in the United States in 1797? Or that back in 1855,/) plows sold for between $7.25 and [yi $21.00? Or that g John Deere was elected the second mayor of Moline, — ~ Illinois in 1873? = a These are just Visitors to the John Deere Pavilion learn about some of the in- the farm machinery usedin this country, from 1830 guests to an at- traction that has “en-deered”itself to tourists looking for familyfriendly fun. What is considered by many to be the world’s most comprehensive agricultural exhibit, the John Deere Pavilion is a 14,000-squarefoot, glass-and-steel-enclosed structure, with an additional 12,000square-foot patio, located in Moline, Illinois. Bounded on the north by the Mississippi River, Moline lies 165 miles southwest of Chicago. The Pavilion is the company’s official visitor’s center and centerpiece of Moline’s Riverfront Civic Renewal Project. According to the Illinois Department of Tourism, the Pavilion is the most popular tourist attraction in the region and oneof the top five attractions in the state since its opening in 1997. It recently welcomed its one millionth guest. Said LuAnn Haydon, the Pavilion Manager, “Every age group has somethingto learn here. From small children to grandparents, each exhibit intrigues our guests and leaves a lasting impression.” For example, visitors can journey back through the history of farming and examine the machin- ery used in each era, from 1830 to the present. Children can learn how food is grown and how it makes its way to the family table by visiting the Cornucopia Exhibit. Other exhibits include vintage and modern day John Deere equipment and interactive ex- hibits devoted to the history of the company. Another attraction located one block from the Pavilion is designed to replicate a 1950s-era dealership. Guests at the John Deere Collectors Center can tour a display room filled with antique tractor equipment, watch a tractor being restored and purchase antique tractor parts. Like the Pavilion, this exhibit is free and open to the public year round. Other popular John Deere attractions include the Historical Site at Grand Detour, the Deere Family Homes, Deere’s Administrative building and the Tournament Players Club at Deere Run. To learn more, call 1-309-765- 1000, or visit the Web site at www.johndeerepavilion.com.
