SALEM, Ohio – Whether you’re looking for the latest all-terrain vehicle, the most current compact tractor or anything in between, you’re likely to find it at Power Show Ohio.
More than 250 exhibitors from Ohio and the surrounding areas will be present at the show, which highlights equipment from the agriculture, construction and outdoor divisions of the power equipment industry.
“Our exhibitors represent the best that the industry has to offer,” said Dennis Alford, show manager.
Each year, the show highlights the most up-to-date technology and newest trends in equipment.
Not just farmers. Although Power Show Ohio originated as a resource for farmers, it has evolved into an event that’s useful for full-time and part-time farmers, plus people from many other industries.
“Things have changed throughout the state and a lot of farmers now have off-farm income,” Alford said, and Power Show Ohio tries to address the equipment necessary for that off-farm work, as well as the machinery needed for jobs on the farm.
Current topics. In addition, there will be several displays on ethanol, biodiesel and other alternative fuels.
“Alternate heating sources seems to be a hot item this year,” Alford said.
While the structure of Power Show Ohio will remain similar to past years, the “exhibits and equipment will be new, of course,” Alford said.
This year’s show is set to be larger than the 2005 event, Alford said.
The show, which is Ohio’s largest indoor equipment display, also benefits Ohio equipment dealers.
“The purpose is trying to help the equipment dealers in Ohio,” Alford said, “and provide a venue for the products they sell.”
The show is aimed at encouraging people to go to their local equipment dealers and it is held during a time when customers have time to consider purchasing new equipment, he added.
Products. Power Show Ohio features more than 600 brands of products including tractors, skid steer loaders, commercial mowing equipment, all-terrain vehicles, grain handling computer software, fence building, haying equipment, buildings, backhoes, logging equipment, compact tractors and livestock equipment.
Many of the exhibitors come back to the show year after year.
“Whether you are looking for farm equipment, construction equipment, outdoor power equipment, related services or information, you will find it at Power Show Ohio,” Alford said.
There will also be exhibits from colleges, cooking demonstrations and the National Kiddie Tractor Pull.
In addition, there will be seminars on topics such as manure management, the new nozzle classification system, revitalizing and rehabilitating old barns, a grains and oilseeds marketing outlook, no-till farming, auto-steering technology, irrigation and drainage and winter ventilation for livestock.
Since the show began in 1971, it has grown about six times in size, according to Alford. While the first Power Show Ohio took up only 60,000 square feet, the 2006 show will sprawl over approximately 300,000 square feet.
Steadfast goal. Much has changed during the past three and a half decades, but Alford said the objective of Power Show Ohio remains constant.
“We’re still putting out the products the dealers sell,” he said.
Get the details
Power Show Ohio will be held at the Ohio Expo Center, located just west of Interstate 71 at exit 111 in Columbus.
Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 27-29.
Admission at the door is $5 for adults. Children 12 and under will be admitted free.
(Reporter Janelle Skrinjar welcomes feedback by phone at 800-837-3419, ext. 22, or by e-mail at jskrinjar@farmanddairy.com.)
