GENESEO, Illinois – The 19th annual Trains, Planes & Automobiles event will take place Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 4-6, at a number of locations across Geneseo.
This year’s event will feature a model train display, WWII Stearman bi-planes, a guided historic golf cart tour of the Hennepin Canal, food trucks, live music, and one of the largest annual car shows in Illinois, featuring more than 350 classic cars.
The Trains, Planes & Automobiles festival is highlighted by the VFW Salute to America at noon Saturday. The VFW Honor Guard will lead that tribute that includes a moment of silence, a national anthem performance, and a stirring airplane flyover.
The Erie RC Club will feature a model airplane display for guests to get an up-close look at Model RC planes and to learn more about the hobby. The Geneseo Historical Museum will also be celebrating local aviation pioneer Harold Neumann during the event. That celebration will feature exhibits, a children’s scavenger hunt, and family activities.
The Gold Sponsor for Trains, Planes & Automobiles is Hiland Toyota.
The following is a schedule of events for the event (watch for street closures):
Thursday, Sept. 4
- 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Stearman Fly-In at Gen-Airpark located on Route 6, east of Geneseo. Experience the sights and sounds of WWII Stearman bi-planes.
- Absolutely no pets allowed.
Friday, Sept. 5
- 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cruise the Canal from Hennepin Canal Lock 24 to Lock 26 and back. Enjoy historic tours of the Hennepin Canal. Reservations required, $30 per person. Includes golf cart (driven by you) and guided tour. Limited seats still available. For reservations, contact the Geneseo Chamber at (309) 944-2686.
- 5-9 p.m., Trains, Planes and Automobiles Pre-Party sponsored by Erdman Construction, 101 S. Chicago St.: Vendors include food trucks and Geneseo Brewing Co.
- 7-9 p.m. Live music by Soul Cage
Saturday, Sept. 6
- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. –Downtown Geneseo, Car Show, Train Display and Airplane Display. Maple City Cruisers Car Show is free, but donations will be accepted.
- 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Registration. Dash Plaques to the first 300 entries, goody bags to first 250 entries.
- 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Music provided by 3D Sound.
- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Operating model train display by Geneseo Model Railroaders, 154 E. Exchange St.
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Harold Neumann Aviation Pioneer Celebration at Geneseo Historical Museum featuring exhibits, a children’s scavenger hunt, and family activities.
- 11 a.m. Youth Pedal Car Parade, meet at The Cellar at 10:45 a.m.
- Noon Salute to America – VFW Honor Guard, airplane fly-over.
- 2 p.m. – Trophy awards and Geneseo Chamber 50/50 Raffle Drawing, car show.
- 3 p.m. – The event closes.
Trains, Planes & Automobiles will be filled with many opportunities to experience these mighty machines up close, the chamber said and its leaders also invite visitors to stop by Geneseo any time. This weekend, Geneseo’s stores and restaurants will be open all day long for shoppers and dining needs. All events are free unless otherwise indicated.
For more information, call the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at (309) 944-2686.
