This year’s Tractor Parade at Winchester Dairyfest will boast significance as the 20th of its kind! The annual 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. He told them it would be no problem and that it didn’t sound too complicated. That is, until the Committee asked if he would be able to select a first, second, and third place “winner” for the show. John joked in a conversation with the Times last year: “I said ‘well you can count me out’ because there’s no way I’m telling my neighbour that he’s got a nicer tractor than the other neighbour!”
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.
This year, Farmer John has his lineup ready to go once again, and he is excited for the 20 year milestone. His oldest tractor is a 1940 Case, which belonged to his wife’s grandfather. He also has a Farmall A that he recently bought because his wife said she used to drive one when she was 10-12 years old, as well as a tractor that his father purchased brand new decades ago.
The rules for participating are similar to previous years. All are welcome, but Farmer John stresses not to come to the Curling Club (where the parade begins) right at 2:30pm when they are set to leave. He urges people to come at noon – there is a large area to park the tractors on the north side of the Curling Club so that people can come and look at them.
Another 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. “If someone gets hurt, it would just be awful,” added Farmer John.
One general guideline 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, and he plans to keep it that way!
For Farmer John’s own fleet of about a dozen tractors, he enlists the help of relatives to drive them in the parade. He has two daughters and two sons, as well as two sons in law, all of whom drive. He also gets friends to help. Included in his own fleet are two wagons fitted with sides and a tarp to carry passengers that want a ride, even in the rain. That said, the Tractor Parade hasn’t been rained out in 20 years, though Farmer John recalled 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.
Organizing the Tractor Parade each year takes some effort, but Farmer John doesn’t mind. He only had to purchase one new battery this year (at a cost of $200), which beat the two batteries and two tires he had to buy last year! Through the years, some tractors have needed to be towed home, but more often than not, they all make it under their own power.
This year’s Tractor Parade will take place on August 11, leaving the Curling Club around 2:30pm. As always, the drivers will aim to be at Dundas Manor at 3:00pm. “They clean the cars out and nobody parks there, and all the residents come out,” said Farmer John. “They love it and we love doing it. To see the look on their face when we go by there is just priceless.”
This year’s Tractor Parade will follow the usual route – 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!