ST. CHARLES, Mo. — For its 25th anniversary farm show, the Mississippi Valley Equipment Assoc. (MVEA) has not only moved its show’s location and dates, but also renamed it to reflect those changes.

The Midwest Farm and Ranch Expo, formally known as the St. Louis All-Equipment Expo, has moved to a new facility located in St. Charles, Mo., just eight miles west of Lambert International Airport. It runs this weekend, March 18-19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Show Manager Joyce Ruopp said that they had good reasons for moving the show from December to March.

“Weather is always a factor for us in December,” Ruopp said.

She is also excited about the new setting, the St. Charles Convention Center. It offers state of the art convention services and a new hotel adjoining the exhibit hall. The show formerly took place in downtown St. Louis.

“It (the convention center) is conveniently located just off 1-70 and has lots of parking.” Ruopp said.

The focus of the show itself isn’t changing, according to Ruopp.

The MVEA, in conjunction with its equipment dealer members, once again is bringing together the latest in ag, construction and lawn/turf equipment.

“Our product focus this year will include compact ag equipment, tractor attachments, lawn/garden, livestock, utility construction, ranch and related products,” according to show officials.

Show visitors also have the chance to win a $250 gift certificate to be used at any Mississippi Valley Equipment Dealer member.

In the past, the show has included activities for the whole family, including a kiddie tractor pull, but Ruopp said that no such events are planned this year because the show is sold out to exhibitors with no room for extras.

However, she said, “St. Charles offers lots of family attractions for any age.”

The city offers numerous activities for all ages, such as Bass Pro Shop, Ameristar Casino and St. Louis Mills Mall. Historic St. Charles features antique and craft shops, and lots of dining choices. For more information regarding the St. Charles area, visit www.historicstcharles.com

Admission to the Midwest Farm and Ranch Expo is $3 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Parking is $5. The St. Charles Convention Center is located at One Convention Plaza in St. Charles, Mo.

For more information about the show, visit the MVEA website at www.mvea.com

This farm news was published in the March 15, 2006 issue of Farm World.