The location for the 2009 Half Century Of Progress is about as close to a rainproof outdoor show facility as you will find. While show organizers cannot guarantee the weather, the location that once was the old Chanute Air Force Base is capable of handling any rain that may come.



The airport at Rantoul has an extensive underground storm water drainage system. While rain showers could make the demonstration fields and the crops soggy, the storm sewers underneath the Rantoul National Aviation Center, combined with the extensive taxiways and hangar aprons once used by the U.S. Air Force, will provide a solid surface where vintage farm equipment can be displayed.



Also available to the Half Century Of Progress is the massive Hangar Two at the old airbase. With its expansive 250-foot-wide opening when the doors are parted, this facility can be prepared for indoor farm equipment demonstrations, stage shows and displays should the rains persist.



“I don’t think it will make a bit of difference if we get rain,” commented show spokesman Max Armstrong. “Folks coming to this show will get their money’s worth rain or shine.”



The Half Century Of Progress is one of the largest antique farm equipment demonstration shows in America. Visitors are expected to come to Rantoul from all across the United States for the show August 27 through August 30.