HOLIDAY TRACTORS

People enjoy 6th annual Greenwich Tractor Parade

GREENWICH, N.Y. >> More than 5,000 people braved chilly temperatures, dark skies and snowlined curbs for the recent sixth annual Greenwich Tractor Parade, which brightened holiday spirits for participants and spectators alike.

Nearly 60 tractors from farms in Washington, Saratoga and Rensselaer counties took part in the event, which started at Greenwich High School and wound through various village streets.

The parade is organized by the Greater Greenwich Chamber of Commerce.

“Six years ago we were looking for a fundraiser, so four people got together for a few weeks and organized this,” said Kathy Nichols-Tomkins, parade committee chair. “Our feeling was if we got more spectators than participants it’s a success. We were totally overwhelmed by the number of people who came to be part of it and to watch. Since then it’s grown substantially.”

Prizes are awarded eight categories. This year’s first prize winners are:

• Best in Show: Tony’s Dance Crew/ Williams Pulling Team of Fort Edward, whose tractor and float had a “Polar Express” theme.

• Best Use of Lights: Ellsworth Family Farm, Greenwich.

• Best Musical entry: Argyle Brewery, Greenwich.

• Best Small Tractor: Tiashoke Farm, Buskirk.

• Best Greater Greenwich Chamber member: Hand Melon Farm, Greenwich.

• Best Antique Tractor: Old

Saratoga Mercantile/RebelWood Soap Works, Schuylerville.

• Most Creative: Slate River Farms LLC, Greenwich.

• Best Float: New York Canal Corp. for its canal boat decorated with thousands of small colored lights.

In addition to providing a fun, family-oriented activity, the parade has an educational value as well by giving the public a chance to see the expensive equipment required to produce the food people eat, Nichols-Tomkins said.

“Many people don’t know that these large machines are working in the fields to make the grain and haylage needed to feed the cows, which produce our milk,” she said. “It makes people more aware of what goes into it. It also provides a wonderful fun activity and release for farm families. Farming is a lot of work. People have really come to look forward to this.”

Also, funds raised from business sponsors and a $20 parade entry fee provide a $1,000 scholarship each year to a graduating high school senior going into a college agriculture program.

BY PAUL POST An antique green tractor with gold colored wheels lit up the night.

BY PAUL POST A group of family members and friends dressed up with colorful reindeer-themed costumes. They are Tom Matteson and Nicolle Field, front; and Sonja Matteson, Mariah Edwards, Travis Augusta and Megan Matteson, back.

BY PAUL POST The Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam and Betsy Ross made up one of the parade’s most patriotic scenes.

PAUL POST — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A haywagon was decorated with red, white and blue lights in the form of the American flag.