LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More than 300,000 people are expected to visit the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville over the next four days.

The 58th National Farm Machinery Show started Wednesday as crowds from around the country, and even internationally, are expected to visit. Event organizers said this is the largest indoor farm trade show in the country. It goes until Feb. 17.

"The crowd, it's amazing how many people are here today," said Cayden Southerland, visiting from Morgantown, Kentucky. "Every year the equipment just improves overall, the technology advances through the years, it’s just pretty cool to see, especially the prices of the equipment and everything here."

Whether attendees are visiting for the first time or helping the next generation, it's a family event and a tradition for many to come to the National Farm Machinery Show.

"My dad has been coming since before I was born," Jennifer Barth said. "Anything you’re looking for farming related, you can find here."

"I farm full-time with my parents, I'm something like an eighth generation farmer," said Alicia Adams, who traveled from Illinois. "It’s a great learning experience and learning tool. You never know what you’re going to find that you can implement into your own work.”

The exposition has more than 800 exhibitors as well as various seminars. 

As one of Louisville's top 10 most economically impactful events, the National Farm Machinery Show is estimated to bring in more than $24.2 million to Louisville. Louisville's hotel occupancy rises to 90% during the show.

"For farmers and for the community, it being centrally located here in Louisville, Kentucky gives people access and the opportunity to visit," Ian Cox, a spokesperson for Kentucky Venues, said.

The annual tradition offers a chance for knowledge to be brought back home. Southerland said his grandfather and uncle farm, and he's planning to carry on the legacy.

"I'm hoping one day they'll pass it down to me and I'll carry on the generational farms and grow and get bigger," Southerland said. 

Kentucky Venues is looking at property improvements to expand its space for exhibits like the National Farm Machinery Show. 

"The aim of course is building a property and space that can host events of this scale," Cox said. "We said 800 exhibitors on this show floor today, there's 600 that want to be here that can't because we don't have the space."

Admission is free, and parking is $12 per vehicle. For more information about The National Farm Machinery Show, click here.

The Championship Tractor Pull happens daily from 7 p.m. and tickets begin at $10. To purchase tickets to The Championship Tractor Pull, click here.

Next year's show is already on the schedule. It will be Feb. 12-15, 2025. 

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