WATERLOO - Waterloo may be John Deere country, but downtown will turn International red for three days this week.

For the sake of economic development, Lonnie Elmore hopes people are colorblind. The sales director for the Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau understands Waterloo and John Deere green will always be associated, but that doesn't mean the city can turn down the chance to host thousands of visitors from around the world.

The International Harvester Collectors will hold their 17th annual National Winter Convention at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center Thursday through Saturday. Between 15 to 40 antique I-H tractors and related brands will be on display, including the 5 millionth tractor produced. Vendors, seminars and tours of local agricultural sites also will be available.

Elmore wasn't sure if I-H enthusiasts would want to come to Waterloo, but she successfully pitched the idea.

"That was my main concern - this is John Deere country. But I said, 'Our blood isn't green.' We work with all different types of tractors and (tractor) rides," Elmore said.

She noted the city has hosted many agricultural-related events like tractor rides that contain different makes and models.

An estimated 3,000 to 4,000 people are expected to attend, officials said. Early registrations show people coming from across the country, Canada and Europe.

Elmore estimates the convention will provide a $120,000 boost to the city's economy, primarily due to lodging and meals. Plus, she thinks people will wander a few blocks away to see the recently reopened Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum and the new Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum.

"It will get people to see other things in the community. That's our goal," Elmore said.

This is the first year the winter convention will be held in the state. Iowa Chapter 5, one of 39 worldwide, will host the event.

Past president Bob Caloud of Clutier, along with his wife, Diane, organized the show. He has wanted it in Waterloo for years, not only for proximity but for pride.

"We're going to show John Deere that the I-H guys can also have a convention," Caloud said, referring to the annual Two-Cylinder Expo usually held in Waterloo featuring antique John Deere tractors.

Farmers and tractor collectors are often brand loyal, Caloud said. And people will fiercely debate which tractor is the best.

But when it comes to appreciating ag history and restoration efforts, he said, people often put away their differences.

"Actually, we have a good rapport with the Two-Cylinder Club. We joke back and forth. … We're out to have fun," Caloud said.

While antique Farmalls and F series tractors will impress convention goers, Caloud said the 5 millionth, a 1066 model, will steal the show. The tractor rolled off the assembly line in 1974 and never put its work clothes on.

A group of I-H dealers in Montana purchased it to show off, and it's now part of the Montana State Ag Museum.

"It only has 47 hours. A lot of people are coming just to see that tractor, including two people from Denmark," Caloud said.

Tours are scheduled for Kinze Manufacturing, Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy near Hudson and even the John Deere assembly and engine works. Dave Rodger, general manager of Waterloo's John Deere operations, said everyone is welcome to tour the facilities - even if they're wearing a competitor's hat.

"We're proud to show off what our workers can do," Rodger said.

Doors open at 8 a.m. each day and close at 6 p.m. Thursday and 5 p.m. the following two days. The event is free to the public.

Contact Matthew Wilde at (319) 291-1579 or matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.