No chore to attend

STERLING - The Westwood Sports Complex was packed Friday morning - not with the usual joggers and fitness buffs, but with farmers and some big ol' tractors. The fourth annual Northwestern Illinois Farm Show, which continues today, showcases the latest in farm technology. It boasts 55 vendors offering a wide variety of goods and services, including seeds, tractors, snowblowers and corn-burning fireplaces. Kim Janssen, executive director of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, said last year's show drew 1,000 people, a number she hopes to hit this year. "For such a small show, we've always had a really good turnout," Janssen said. "There were a lot of people that came out right when we opened. A lot of people really come out to see the equipment and talk about the new trades." Gary and Marilyn Bauer of Sterling, who grow corn southeast of Harmon, walked hand-in-hand around the sports complex, stopping briefly to admire a shiny green John Deere tractor. They've attended all four farm shows; they give them a chance to do some one-stop "window shopping," Marilyn Bauer said."We just like to see everything in one place and have a variety of things to look at," she said. Added Gary Bauer: "I'm interested in all the machinery, but I'm not quite ready to buy anything. We're taking our time and looking around."Tom Frank, with Farm and Fleet in Sterling, was on hand to show off a variety of farm and safety items. "[The show] is a good way to know what's going on in our area and to keep up with the local farmers," Frank said. "We try to bring something new every year to appeal to farmers, as well as our local shoppers." If you go What: Northwestern Illinois Farm Show When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Westwood Sports Complex, 1900 Westwood Drive off LeFevre Road in Sterling. Admission: $2 for ages 13 and older. Children's pedal tractor pull: Register at 10:30 a.m.; event at 11. Free. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded. Arts and crafts: Activities available all day. On the Web: Visit www.saukvalleyareachamber.com for a full list of vendors. Click on the Agri-Business link under chamber info.