Anticipation is mounting for the start of this year's World Ag Expo at the International Agri-Center in Tulare.
In just a few weeks, vendors from around the world will set-up their exhibits.
Tents large and small are being setup. 75 massive trucks have unloaded bark on the grounds. There's a lot of work to be done when you have 1,400 vendors vying for space at the World Ag Expo.
"Actually sold out this year sooner than usual," said Liza Teixeira, the Expo's Director of Communications.
Interest from exhibitors is huge this year. On top of new beef and livestock demonstrations and seminars, the entire grounds has now been mapped out by GPS. That'll help pinpoint the exact size of exhibits, where they should be placed, and let Expo leaders plan for future growth.
"We're here for the long-term. And there's a lot of things that we're thinking about in the future that we'd like to do," said Fred Foster, the Expo's Chief Financial Officer.
Just like last year, visitors will notice the Tulare Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit. They were out Friday afternoon trotting around the grounds.
"Show them the sights, get 'em used to the sounds and the smells," said Larry Brooksher, Tulare Police Department's Mounted Unit.
Security will no doubt be extremely tight for former President George W. Bush's scheduled visit on the 2nd night of the Expo. He'll be in town on February 15th for a gala to launch the Ag Warriors Program, which is designed to help train military veterans for jobs in the ag industry.
"These men and women from the service have had a lot of training in machinist work and other things, driving equipment. What better fit than to work in agriculture? I'm sure they don't want to go inside, put a tie on, and work in an office," said Foster.
This year's World Ag Expo kicks off on Valentine's Day, February 14th. Country superstar Trace Adkins will perform that night. The expo runs through February 16th.