The Kansas Art Trail showcases the rich history and culture of various Kansas towns through public art, including murals, sculptures, and other artworks. Wichita honors its Native American heritage with the 'Keeper of the Plains' sculpture by Blackbear Bosin. Crawford County features murals representing its native American population, while Pittsburg celebrates its university mascot with a bronze sculpture. Atchison pays tribute to Amelia Earhart with a bronze statue, and Salina offers a self-guided Mural trail and sculpture tour. Manhattan's Flint Hills Discovery Center tells the story of the tall grass prairie and the Buffalo Soldiers. Abilene's cowboy past is depicted through art, and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library provides insights into the former President's life. These art installations not only beautify the towns but also educate visitors about Kansas's history and culture.

Friends of Green, part of the I & I Antique Tractor Club and Half Century of Progress, raised $3,000 for scholarships to support students at the Lake Land John Deere Tech School. The scholarships aim to promote careers in John Deere dealerships and interest in antique tractor collecting. The initiative addresses the technical skills gap in modern farming equipment. Students and instructors expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the program's impact on their education and career prospects.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is hosting a one-act play titled 'Lilacs and Letters,' written and performed by Zaxxon Nation, with direction by Ed MacMurdo and original music by Randy Erwin. The play, which runs for 15 minutes, is set among sleeping Civil War soldiers and reflects on the nation's grief and praises Abraham Lincoln. Walt Whitman, the subject of the play, was a volunteer nurse during the Civil War and is known for his poetry and compassion. The play is free with museum admission and includes a Q&A session.

Shipshewana and LaGrange County, Indiana, offer a rich array of holiday experiences, from staying at the Farmstead Inn to visiting the Menno-Hof Amish-Mennonite Interpretive Museum. Highlights include making Amish dolls at Kids Kreations, cookie decorating at Shawna Rae’s Cafe, and enjoying entertainment at the Blue Gate. Visitors can also engage in unique activities like basket making at Sonshine Baskets, pretzel workshops at Ben’s Pretzels, and painting classes with Kathryn Lambright. Dining in an Amish home with Caroline Yoder provides an authentic culinary experience. The trip, coordinated by Sara Broers and hosted by Visit Shipshewana, showcases the area's cultural and festive offerings.

The Slow Boys Antique Tractor and Engine Club held their 6th corn picking day in Pittwood, Illinois, attracting a small crowd for the event. Art Downs, a well-known figure in the antique tractor pulling community, organized the event on his 30-acre farm. Various antique tractors and pickers were showcased, including brands like John Deere, Allis Chalmers, Case, Oliver, Wood Brothers, International, and New Idea. The event also saw participation from local FFA kids and community members, highlighting the nostalgic and communal spirit of the gathering.

Farming for coal in Southeast Kansas reveals fascinating machinery and mining history. The Page 618 Walking Dragline, one of only two remaining, will be relocated to the Miners Hall Museum. Big Brutus, the world's largest surviving electric shovel, is a major attraction at the Big Brutus Museum, which offers various events and educational programs. The article highlights the historical significance of mining equipment and the contributions of individuals like William Wilkinson and William Perry. The region's rich history, including Route 66 and immigrant stories, makes it a compelling destination for visitors.

American Country singer Lee Brice released a new song titled 'Farmer' during the Farm Progress Show, in partnership with Case IH. The song celebrates the hard work and dedication of farmers, aligning with Case IH's Built by Farmers campaign. Case IH's vice president, Scott Harris, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the company's deep ties to farming. Brice, who has a personal connection to farming, performed the song live for the first time at the event.

The International Towing Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee, showcases a vast collection of tow trucks and related artifacts, celebrating the history and evolution of the towing industry. The museum, which began with the Friends of Towing, honors the invention of the tow truck by Ernest Holmes Sr. and features various historical models, including the Locomobile and the 1943 Diamond T 969A. The museum also includes a memorial for towing professionals who lost their lives in service and offers financial assistance to their families through the Survivor Fund. Key exhibits highlight the contributions of industry pioneers and the development of significant tools like the Dynamic Hydraulic Wheel-Lift System.

The Half Century of Progress, a premier vintage farm show in the U.S., celebrated its 10th anniversary in Rantoul, Illinois, showcasing heritage tractors and reflecting on the family aspect of farming. The event featured tributes, parades, and displays of vintage farm equipment, including a significant focus on the 100-year history of Farmall tractors and the 60th anniversary of the Allis Chalmers model D21 tractor. The show also highlighted the contributions of sponsors and volunteers, with notable mentions of organizations like the United States Veterans of America and publications such as Heritage Iron and Oliver Heritage. The event drew collectors and enthusiasts from across the U.S. and even internationally, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of vintage farming equipment.

The Illinois State Fair, running through August 20 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, features antique tractors, infrastructure investments, and new initiatives. Highlights include a renovated train station, electrical upgrades, and ADA accessibility improvements. The fair also introduces a Sensory Station for those with sensory overload issues and offers a new ice cream flavor, cookies and cream. The invasive fish formerly known as Asian Carp, now called Copi, will be available as a food option. Key figures such as Jerry Costello, Paige Van Dyke, Rebecca Clark, and Natalie Phelps Finnie were present at the media day event.