WATERLOO -- Jack Cherry always thought about holding the Two-Cylinder Expo at the National Cattle Congress, but he thought exhibitors wouldn't like being cooped up indoors.

He was wrong.

The three-day exposition starts Thursday, and for the first time the vast majority of John Deere tractors and equipment will be displayed inside. This is the 20th anniversary of the event, though only 17 have been held.

Before taking an informal poll of exhibitors last year, he was sure 80 percent prefer parking under the sun and in the fresh air. Just the opposite happened.

"The mean age of our exhibitors is getting older; I guess they're tired of getting rained on," said Cherry, show organizer and founder of the club that worships Deere's two-cylinder tractors made until the 1950s. "It has rained during all but two (Expos), from real downpours to just a few sprinkles.

"Prior to the 2003 show in Peosta, it rained 11 inches," he continued. "These are show tractors. They are fussy about them."

It turns out Cherry may get a few pats on the back from dry exhibitors and guests. The Weather Channel predicts a 10 percent chance of rain Thursday, a 60 percent chance of thunderstorms Friday and a 40 percent chance of more thunderstorms on Saturday. Highs are predicted in the mid- to upper 70s.

Of the 375 exhibits, Cherry said 80 percent will be parked inside various NCC buildings such as Estel Hall and McElroy Auditorium. Others will be placed strategically near the entrance to entice passers-by in, and located on other grassy areas. An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 people are expected to attend.

Cherry said the size of this year's collection of ancient iron is perfect. from common A models to a very rare 1947 M tractor painted yellow at the factory -- which happened to be just down Westfield Avenue from the fairgrounds -- instead of the famous John Deere green. Tractors are now assembled in a large plant on the northeast side of Waterloo. Components are still assembled at Westfield.

That's another reason why Cherry wanted the Expo at NCC -- the history. It's a stone's throw away from where most of the exhibited tractors were built, and Deere often used NCC's fall fair to unveil new models.

"We've had as many as 900 exhibits, and people can't absorb it," Cherry said. "People really like the show and having time to talk to (tractor) owners who like to talk your ear off."

Andy Varney says that's exactly why coming to the Expo this year is a dream come true. The former dairy farmer from Turner, Maine, suffering from non-Hodgkins lymphoma, said Deere is the only implement his family used on the farm, and he bleeds green.

After being told he only has a couple of years to live, the 53-year-old said his only wish was to go to the Expo. The California-based Dream Foundation, a nonprofit that grants wishes for terminally ill adults, paid the airfare, and local auctioneer Merv Hilpipre is putting Varney and his wife, Pauline, up for the week. The couple fly into Waterloo today.

"I've been a fan all my life. We've had nothing but Deere. My father always said you get what you pay for," Varney said. "I want to see tractors I've never seen."

This will be Varney's first trip to the Midwest, which he equates to a pilgrimage for an old farmer. Seeing corn and soybeans fields for as far as the eyes can see, and nothing but John Deere tractors will be heaven.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said.

Free seminars and presentations will be held on Thursday and Friday discussing tractor restoration, electrical systems, trouble shooting and other topics. For the second year in a row, a club member will assemble a tractor from the frame up.

The parts for a 1938 model B have been restored and a small crew will build the tractor in McElroy. Onlookers are invited to ask questions and help.

New to the Expo is a craft show in the Adeline Hayes Building. An estimated 22 crafters will be showing off and selling their needlepoint, wood carving and other wares.

"Looking at tractors all day, … I know I can only handle so much. Now there's something else to do on the grounds," said Linda Schmitt, NCC executive assistant and craft show organizer.

A consignment auction will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the Pullin-Simonsen Arena. More than 50 John Deere vintage tractors, implements and accessories at least 30 years old will be sold.

Hilpipre, who will be at the microphone during the auction, said it will be a sale collectors won't want to miss. A very rare mystery tractor is scheduled to be on the auction block.

"I think it will be one of the finest displays they've had," he said.

For more information call (319) 824-6060 or go online at www.two-cylinder.com/events.htm.

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

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{M3Go and Do

{M3What: Two-Cylinder Club Expo

Where: National Cattle Congress

When: Thursday through Saturday

Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Admission: $6 adults, children 12 and under free