THE I-90 EXPO CENTER

Southern Minnesota is so beautiful in the summer time and today is no exception. The fields are green from the recent rains and a soft breeze blows the tall grass back and forth; almost as if it were nodding in approval of this sunny afternoon. The main highway that stretches across this part of the world is Interstate 90. As my tires hum a rhythmic tune, I see the exit I've been watching for, off to the right, just up ahead. It's the Sherburn Highway No. 4 exit.

Sherburn is a typical small town with a population of approximately 1,000 people. It's a quiet and sleepy afternoon with a couple pickup truck drivers side by side visiting in a neighborly way. The approved head gear is the cap with seed corn ads or implement logos. Yup, this is hard core farm country. “I'm looking for the I-90 Expo Center”, I inquire of the young farmer in the dually pickup truck. “Oh, that's easy, just take a left by the grain bins and go south about a mile. There's no way you can miss it!”

Having mentally stowed away the directions, I drove off to find my destination. It was a Friday evening and when I topped this hill just south of town, it looked like a small city abuzz with activity. The parking lot was full of horse trailers and pickups. The sound of horses' shrill whinnies filled the quiet country air. Western hats bobbed up and down as the wrangler clad visitors went about their work to get their stock settled for the night. Tomorrow it would be an early day of competition, fun and excitement. I “shoe horned” my half ton truck into a tight parking space and slid out of the truck and set my feet on the forty acre site of the Expo Center.

Greg and Mike picked this site to build their multi-purpose facility for a number of reasons. First was its location to the interstate. Second was the motel and other guest options available in three directions and within fifteen minutes. Third, the site had some good buildings they could utilize in their master plan. Fourth, it was close to their hometown of Odin, Minnesota, where they live and manage their other businesses. And last, it was in the country where their guests could relax, take a deep breath of fresh country air and forget the city for a day or two.

The highlight of the complex is the mammoth three hundred by one hundred fifty-foot indoor arena. The floor is 70% sand and 30% clay, just the right surface for performance animals. Just off, but connected, are the offices, a large box stall barn, a commercial restaurant, a “cowboy” bar and of course the state of the art sale ring with it's oversized ring, theater seating and high tech video equipment including a large screen front projection TV with surround sound.

In it's first big year, the I-90 has been home to major concerts featuring country music talents such as Dwight Yoakum, Trace Adkins, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Gary Allan. It has hosted a USTRC Roping, a big machinery auction, flea market, Mexican festival with bull riding and high school and professional rodeos, indoor motocross, clinics and shows.

But, really the main events at the I-90 are the horse sales held every other month. The emphasis is on quality horses that are gentle, sound, broke and of course pretty. Greg and Kathy's daughter Codi has taken on the role of preparing I-90 horses for private and auction sales. Her horsemanship skills are excellent. She also provides a service of preparing, grooming and showing horses that will be sold at the facility for their owners. She assists in all aspects of the care of the horses at the I-90 Expo Center.

Buyers and sellers have driven thousands of miles to buy and sell horses at the I-90. Why, you ask? Because the Johnson family advertises heavily, promoting the sales and other events in national and regional publications. Additionally, the sale horses are randomly blood tested for drugs, keeping out horses that may not be safe or sound. The Johnsons are also known for their family hospitality with free hamburger feeds, live music and “out of the way” friendliness.

Greg Johnson has also added some unique twists to his horse sales with the giveaway of a 2004 Ford Dually Pickup, also a ten thousand dollar cash giveaway to a lucky buyer or seller and most recently with the Great American Horse sale a $250,000 giveaway. This is one of the reasons some of the top horses have passed through the I-90 ring, one selling for sixty thousand and several others over thirty thousand. Of course, there are many more ponies and nice broke family horses that have fit the pocketbook and the needs of many people for many hours of pleasure and fun.

While Greg Johnson is the person most identified with the horse portion of the I-90 business, brother Mike plays a huge roll in many aspects of the operation. Mike is the technology expert and has a state of the art camera system throughout the entire complex. This is really helpful with security issues and in monitoring the event needs and progress. Mike has also been instrumental in developing the concert portion of the business. Mike's great business skills have been crucial in the planning, development and deployment of their business plan. Mike, like bother Greg, and the rest of the family go the extra mile to provide the best possible customer service to their guests at the I-90.

There's lots more to the I-90 story, like Kathy Johnson's great hot dogs that almost take two hands to lift to your mouth, or her carnival style corn dogs and great popcorn; or the smile and great personality of Joyce Johnson as she overloads a barbecue for you. Yup, whether it's Dawn Johnson's efficient and helpful ways as you get your bidding number before the sale starts, everyone at the I-90 has the comfort, safety and enjoyment of their guests as their number one priority.

The I-90 story is not complete; there are plans for more additions to the buildings and equipment. The one thing that won't change is the commitment by the I-90 owners and employees to stay the course. They continue to make this a truly fine facility for horses, horse people and everyone else to enjoy. This remarkable facility that one can truly say is found “where the highway ends and the west begins”.

The future of the I-90 is bright too. Hayley, the daughter of Mike and Dawn is carrying on the Johnson tradition of hospitality. Her charming chatter and smile show she carries the Johnson “brand”. Hayley, along with her cousin, Codi, represent the next generation at the I-90.

The welcome mat is always out. The next time you're cruisin down Interstate 90, stop and say “Hi”. I did, and that's how I became attached to the Johnson family dream.

For information on our next sale or big event, call the Expo at (507) 764-4025 or visit out web site (www.i90expocenter.com). Companies interested in corporate sponsorship may contact Chuck Fenwick (507) 764-4025.

Written by Jim Jensen