Last Saturday, September 5, the Village of Montgomery treated residents to an old-timey tradition: the annual Tractor Parade and Farm Day. Established by Norbury “Skip” Chambers and Grand Hollow Old Time Power Associate in 2007, this event celebrates Montgomery’s agricultural history with numerous attractions.

Around noon, 240 tractors took off from Railroad Avenue, weaved through several village streets, and coalesced at Chambers Tractor Sales on 167 Ward Street. This year’s parade featured a new path, reducing traffic congestion on Route 211. Hordes of attendees crowded along the streets and watched in awe as tractors of different colors, models, sizes, and time periods rolled by.
Following the parade, everyone walked over to Chamber Tractor Sales and enjoyed several activities. Attendees marveled at tractor displays and hit-or-miss engines, purchased food from Grand Hollow, browsed local vendors, listened to the Bunker Boys’ hillbilly songs, and took hayrides and barrel train rides around the property. Overall, everyone had a fun afternoon and learned a little more about the area’s farming roots.

“It’s been incredible, it’s great getting together with people you haven’t seen in a while. For us older guys, we get to see older farm equipment that we operated when we were younger,” said Mike Voss, a Town of Shawangunk councilman. “Skip and the others did a great job organizing the event, and the new parade route didn’t tie up Route 211.”

“The event is great, Skip always does a great job. When he’s gone, his involvement is going to be missed,” said John Buckridge, a visitor from the Hamlet of Wallkill. “I love riding with the guys and seeing everyone come together.”

“It’s our first time attending the event, and it’s been really nice so far. I’m surprised how many tractors were in the parade, it’s great seeing all the different models,” said Jessica Bower, a village resident who brought her children to the event. “Me and my kids are enjoying the day, it’s just old-fashioned fun.”