The Tony’s Pizza Events Center and Saline County Livestock & Expo Center will be a flurry of activity on Monday in preparation of one of the biggest events of its kind in the Midwest. Vendors and exhibitors will move in on Monday in preparation of the 52nd Mid America Farm Expo, which is Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday.

It’s been a Salina tradition now for over a half-century. Over 200 companies from around the United States will be exhibiting their products. About 350 exhibits will be on display showing the latest in farm technology, machinery, equipment and supplies.

The Expo began 52 years ago as a project of the Agriculture Committee of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce. It was named the Salina Materials Handling Show and had 44 exhibits on display on the Saline County Fairgrounds, now called the Saline County Livestock and Expo Center. With the construction of the then Bicentennial Center directly across from the Expo Center, the Farm Expo expanded and is now one of the largest spring farm shows in the Midwest. It attracts approximately 10,000 persons over the three days.

The Expo is headquartered in the form Bi-Center, now the Tony’s Pizza Events Center. There are additional displays in Agricultural Hall, and in the Exhibition Barns at the Saline County Livestock & Expo Center. In addition, outside exhibits are located in front of Ag Hall and on the events center west parking lot.

There’s no charge for admission or parking. Hours are 9am-5pm on Tuesday March 28th, 9am-5pm on Wednesday March 29th, and 9am-4pm on Thursday March 30th.

The 52nd Mid America Farm Expo is sponsored by the Agriculture Division of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.