The tractor parade's new star
by Brandon Mayer
Standing with Farmer John in his tractor shed, local boy Liam was honoured to get a sneak peek of the Lions Club inflatable lion that will be featured in this year’s tractor parade
This year marks the 21st annual Tractor Parade. The tradition was created when the Dairyfest Committee called Farmer John Cinnamon years ago and asked him if he would put on an antique tractor show as part of the festivities. Luckily for North Dundas residents, he told them it would be no problem and that it didn’t sound too complicated.
It was at that point that John suggested a tractor parade instead of a tractor show, an idea which the Dairyfest Committee graciously accepted. The annual Dairyfest Tractor Parade initially started as an event featuring antique tractors, and evolved over the years to accept tractors of all types, sizes, and ages.
Farmer John (from the Cloverdale area just north of Winchester – not to be confused with Chesterville’s Farmer John) has his lineup ready to go once again. He is a long time member of the local Lions Club, and is excited that this year’s parade will have a new star – a large inflatable lion recently purchased by the Winchester Lions Club. The lion sits on a trailer generously donated by Craig Holmes, and will be pulled by a legacy tractor that honours a long time parade driver who recently passed away. The lion will make other appearances throughout the year – Farmer John is hopeful that it will be in this year’s Parade of Lights.
All are welcome to participate in the tractor parade, as always. The rules for participating are similar to previous years. He urges people to arrive a couple of hours early at the Curling Club with their tractor to avoid confusion and congestion.
A firm rule is that there be no riders on open tractors. Riders should only be permitted on tractors with a cab and a door that closes, with a proper seat for riders. This is purely for safety.
One general guideline that has existed throughout the years is to “let the tractors come out in their work clothes”. There is no need to get the tractors all shined up, although all tractors are welcome. A lot of Farmer John’s tractors are not restored at all, which is just how he likes them.
The Tractor Parade is a strong tradition that has never been rained out in its two decades of existence, though Farmer John recalls that on two occasions, the drivers got “thoroughly soaked” not only with rainwater but also with mud being thrown up from the tires on the way home when thunderstorms hit. The drivers are surely hopeful for great weather this year!
Even though Dairyfest is a one day event this year, taking place on Saturday, August 9, this year’s Tractor Parade will take place on the following day, Sunday, August 10 – a Sunday parade is tradition. Those wishing to join with a tractor should meet at the Curling Club for 12pm. The parade will depart at approximately 2:45, with the usual pass by at Dundas Manor being the highlight of the event, sometime around 3:00.
The route of the parade remains unchanged: down Main Street and Christie Lane, passing the Lions Hall and of course the Dundas Manor, finishing at the Curling Club again. Come out and enjoy an annual tradition that’s as local as can be!