GENESEO, Illinois – Trains, Planes & Automobiles will crowd into this historic downtown for the 18th Annual Geneseo Chamber of Commerce event of the same name from Thursday, Sept. 5, to Saturday, Sept. 7.

This year’s Trains, Planes & Automobiles will feature a model train display, WWII Stearman Bi-Planes, a guided historic golf cart tour of the Hennepin Canal, a locomotive parking in downtown Geneseo and live music. A highlight is one of the largest annual car shows in Illinois, featuring over 300 classic cars, a news release from the chamber said.  

The annual Trains, Planes & Automobiles festival is highlighted by the VFW Salute to America at noon Saturday. During the Salute to Veterans, the VFW Color Guard will lead the tribute that includes a moment of silence, a national anthem performance, and a stirring airplane flyover, the chamber said.

The Erie RC Club will feature a Model Airplane Display to give guests an up-close look at Model RC Planes and to learn more about the hobby. The Geneseo Historical Museum also will be celebrating local Aviation Pioneer Harold Neumann with a celebration that will  feature guest speakers, a panel, and family activities. 

Gold Sponsor for the 18th Annual Trains, Planes & Automobiles festival in Geneseo is Hiland Toyota, Moline.

The following is a schedule of events for the event. (Watch for street closures and dates throughout the event, the chamber warned.)  

Thursday, Sept. 5

• Stearman Fly-In is at Gen-Airpark from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The airpark is located on Route 6 east of Geneseo. Attendees will experience the sights and sounds of WWII Stearman bi-planes. No pets are allowed.

Friday, Sept. 6

• Cruise the Canal of Hennepin Canal Lock No. 24 to Lock No. 26 and back. Enjoy historic tours of the Hennepin Canal at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tours end at 3 p.m. Reservations are required. Cost is $25 per person. It includes the golf cart, which participants will drive themselves, and a guided tour of the Canal. Cart drivers must have a valid drivers license. Make reservations with the Geneseo Chamber at (309) 944-2686. 
• TPA Pre-Party, sponsored by Erdman Construction, 101 S. Chicago St., from 5-9 p.m. – Food Trucks, BYOB event.
• Ribbon cutting, 6 p.m. 
• Live music by Soul Cage 7-9 p.m.:

  Saturday, Sept. 7

• 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Downtown Geneseo, Car Show, Train Display, Airplane Display (no pets). 
• 7-11 a.m. registration for the Maple City Cruisers Car Show, free show, donations accepted. Dash Plaques to the first 300 entries, goody bags to the first 250 entries. The car show ends at 3 p.m.
• 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Music provided by 3D Sound. 
• 9 a.m. Ribbon cutting for Mural No. 4 Harold Neumann Mural. 
• 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Harold Neumann Aviation Pioneer Celebration at Geneseo Historical Museum. 
• 10:30 a.m.: Col. John Morrissey, Kansas, will speak. 
• 11:30 a.m.: Harold Neumann Q&A Panel
• 12:30–2 p.m.: Family activities and games for all ages including  a plane ball pit, make your own balsa wood airplane, rubber duck matching game, make and race paper airplanes, photo booths and more.
• 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Operating Model Train Display by Geneseo Model Railroaders at 154 E. Exchange St.  
• 11 a.m. Youth Pedal Car Parade, meet at The Cellar at 10:45 a.m. 
• 12 p.m. Salute to America – VFW Color Guard, airplane fly-over. 
• 2 p.m. Trophy Awards & Geneseo Chamber 50/50 Raffle Drawing, 

The event will be filled with many opportunities to experience these mighty machines up close and the chamber invites visitors to enjoy the city’s restaurants and shops. All events are free unless otherwise indicated. 

For more information, call the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce at (309) 944-2686.