Birkey’s Farm Store announces the opening of its new store facility on High Cross Road in Urbana, Ill. The company is hosting a grand opening celebration on Friday, April 4, and a community day on Saturday, April 5.

Grand opening event for customers and community leaders

The event will begin with a ribbon-­cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and the Mayor of Urbana. A free fish fry dinner will be offered from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with presentations by CEO Mike Hedge at 6:30 p.m.

All day, visitors can view more than 30 vendor displays, including Case IH, Case Construction, Exmark, Kubota and Wacker Neuson. Customers can also attend four educational clinics on planters, equipment leasing, Advanced Farming Systems and Viscosity Oil/Fleetguard. Equipment demonstrations will take place at 2:30 p.m. A schedule is available on www.birkeys.com.

Family-­focused community celebration

Community members are invited for coffee, pastries and a store tour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Snacks are available during the day, and a free lunch will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

About the New Building

Birkey’s owners toured dealer facilities across the Midwest and worked with general contractor Drake Homes to incorporate the best features into the new Urbana store. The design focuses on safety, efficiency and a comfortable experience for both customers and employees. The shop has a heated floor, energy-­saving geothermal temperature control and an overhead crane spanning the length of the building that will allow employees to easily move heavy items.

Birkey’s new location is convenient to customers and offers space to bring equipment in and out. Unlike the previous store, the new Birkey’s location will be incorporated into the city of Urbana.

“We are part of the community now and will support it in many ways, including tax dollars,” says Jeff Hedge, Birkey’s regional manager.

Birkey’s Hunger Drive and Tractor Giveaway

As Birkey’s unveils a new facility, it also celebrates 60 years in business. The event coincides with the final two days of Birkey’s 60-­Day Hunger Drive, a campaign to raise $100,000 for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank and 6 other local foodbanks. Donations over $10 receive raffle tickets in a drawing for a restored 1954 Farmall Super MTA tractor, which will be on display. Foodbank staff members will also be present at the event.

“Our farm and construction customers are helping to feed our world and build our communities. This drive is one way for us to partner with them and carry out this mission on a local level,” says Mike Hedge, president and CEO of Birkey’s.

About Birkey’s

Founded in 1954 in Fisher, Ill., Birkey’s Farm Store Inc., has provided sales and service of agriculture, construction and outdoor power equipment for 60 years. Today it serves the Illinois communities of Annawan, Bloomington, Galesburg, Gibson City, Henry, Hoopeston, Macomb, Mattoon, Oakland, Polo, Prophetstown and Urbana, as well as Williamsport, Ind.

• Friday, April 4, 2014
• 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• 2202 S. High Cross Road, Urbana, Ill.
  • Saturday, April 5, 2014
  • 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — Lawn & garden equipment demonstrations
  • 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — Carnival activities for kids