Tradition on Display: ROWVA FFA Hosts Annual Toy Show
The 2026 toy show.
Rows of toy tractors, farm collectibles and vendors filled the gym as families and collectors gathered for the ROWVA FFA Toy Show. Now in its 33rd year, the event has become a long-standing tradition for the ROWVA community in Illinois, bringing together generations of agriculture enthusiasts and supporters
The ROWVA FFA Chapter created the event as a way to bring people together during a time when toy shows were more common across rural communities. Over three decades later, the tradition continues, with some vendors still returning year after year.
“This year is the 33rd Annual Toy Show,” says advisor Mrs. Main. “Some of the vendors we have now are the same ones that were here when we started, or sons and daughters of those that were here that first time.”
While the toy show highlights collections of farm toys and memorabilia, it is also largely a student-led event. Members of the ROWVA FFA Chapter are responsible for organizing nearly every aspect of the show, from contacting vendors to setting up the facility.
Planning for the event begins months in advance. Members send invitations to vendors, organize table reservations and promote the event throughout the community. As the event approaches, members prepare the school by setting up tables, chairs and tarps to accommodate dozens of vendors.
ROWVA FFA member selling candles.
“In January, we send out RSVPs to our usual vendors and order tables,” says Former ROWVA FFA Chapter Vice President Garrett Lake. “The weekend of the toy show starts with putting down a tarp and setting up tables, and then the vendors arrive, and we help them bring their items inside.”
Through these responsibilities, members gain valuable leadership and communication skills.
“I have developed leadership skills and learned how to organize an event,” Lake says. “It also helps with talking to people and coordinating.”
Beyond leadership development, the toy show plays an important role in strengthening connections between the FFA chapter and the surrounding community. Families often stop by after church to visit with vendors, while children participate in the event’s kiddie pedal pull.
“It truly brings our community together,” says past ROWVA FFA Chapter President Alivia Jones. “No matter the age, there is something for everyone, whether it’s the kids’ pedal pull or classic toys for collectors.”
For many attendees, the toy show has also become a meaningful tradition shared across generations.
“There is one guy who always tells us he and his dad look forward to this day more than Christmas because they get to spend time together and talk to people,” Lake says.
Although toy shows have become less common in recent years, ROWVA FFA members remain committed to continuing the tradition.
“Toy shows are starting to disappear,” Main says. “But ROWVA FFA members are stubborn, and I don’t think they will let it go.”
After 33 years of bringing together community members, alumni and collectors, the ROWVA FFA Toy Show continues to highlight the leadership of its members and the strong sense of community within the district’s five towns.
