Going Green
Military machines, tractors and equipment to roll into Iola…Let the invasion begin!
The green grass and trees of picturesque Iola, Wis., will fill with a different shade of green Aug. 9-10 during the Iola Vintage Military & Gun Show with Vintage Tractors & Equipment. During the weekend-long event, jeeps, tanks, personnel carriers and nearly every other type of military vehicle wearing a variety of green hues will roll into the Iola Old Car Show grounds for the 17th annual event.
The vintage military show will feature vehicles from all eras of service with an emphasis on World War II military equipment. An impressive array of command cars, weapon carriers, 6x6 trucks, half-tracks and more will be shown by their owners from all over the upper Midwest. Many of these vehicles will participate in a narrated parade held both days of the event.
In addition to military vehicles, a large display of vintage farm equipment will gather at the show. Restored and original tractors, trucks, steam and gas engines and other implements will join the event’s wide variety of machinery, some of which will be demonstrated in use.
As part of the event’s military theme, the show also includes an indoor gun show. In addition to military firearms, vendors will offer uniforms, badges and medals. For fans of heavier metal, the event’s surrounding swap meet offers military vehicles and parts in the Iola Old Car Show’s swap meet grounds.
Two new events are planned for this year’s show: A Vietnam battle re-enactment will take place Aug. 9 with the “Fire in the Sky” pyrotechnic display that is expected to fill the sky with flashes of light, smoke and ear-pounding booms. The Vietnam re-enactment will complement the show’s long-running World War II re-enactment, which takes place both days of the event.
The event will also include a USO-type show on Aug. 9. The family-oriented event includes a dance and music show with the Chicago Honey Bear Dancers. The group has performed worldwide for soldiers at 180 military bases, as well as festivals. The star of the group, Lisa Michelle, has also performed on the TV show “American Idol.”
To lend a first-person historical account of military history, Dr. Lowell Peterson will share his military experiences in his presentation, “July 27, 1965 — The Turning Point in the Vietnam Air War.” For the presentation, Peterson will rely on his days as a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, serving with the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing at Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa beginning in 1963. From 1965-’66, Peterson had temporary assignments in support of the Vietnam Air War. Peterson’s discussion will take place Aug. 9.
No matter what shade you like to see your green in, the Iola Vintage Military & Gun Show with Vintage Tractors & Equipment event has it, as long as it’s on a vehicle.
For More Information:
OVMS
PO Box 1 • Iola, WI 54945
715-445-4005
www.iolavms.com
