MOLINE, Ill. - A sea of John Deere green made its way through the streets of Moline and East Moline Thursday.

The sea was a parade of antique tractors held as part of the ninth annual John Deere Collectors Center and Memorabilia Auctions in Moline, which continues through Saturday.

Vintage tractors and equipment will be displayed in the parking lot of the Collectors Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

This year's auctions feature a wide assortment of vintage John Deere tractors and equipment along with the memorabilia.

The auctions will focus on memorabilia today, and on tractors and implements Saturday.

Today's auction begins at 11 a.m. at the Stoney Creek Inn Conference Center, 101 18th St., in downtown Moline.

Some of the highly collectible items on the auction block include one of the most complete pocket ledger collections, a John Deere "E" gas engine with "Deere" cast into the water hopper and a rare John Deere centennial picture.

Saturday's tractor and implement auction begins - rain or shine - at 9 a.m. and will take place directly in front of the Collections Center.

Equipment expected to to draw intense bidding includes a Waterloo Boy Model "R" and 330 and 320 tractors.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs Saturday since seating is limited.

For more information on auction items, visit www.AumannAuctions.com on the web.

Also taking place today in Moline are the Plow City Toy Show and Plow City Toy Auction. Both events will be held at the Stoney Creek Conference Center.