Tractor parade returns for eighth year

By CHARLIE BUTERBAUGH

CALLICOON, NY — The Callicoon Tractor Parade began eight years ago with about 30 tractors, some driven straight from Town of Delaware fields.

“There have never been prizes. It’s really a parade to celebrate tractors and the role they play in our region,” parade organizer Kathy Langley said.

“It’s a tribute to the farming heritage of Upper Delaware River towns. The simplicity of it makes a real hit.”

Now in its eighth year of attracting four-wheel work horses of all shapes, sizes and colors—some sporting the inimitable country rust—Langley said the parade will likely feature over 200 tractors this Sunday, June 13.

Tractors will line up at the public river access near the Delaware Youth Center, travel up Dorrer Drive and parade down Callicoon’s Main Street at 12:00 noon. But the day’s events begin much earlier at the annual pancake breakfast from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Callicoon Volunteer Fire Department, and the Sullivan County Farmers Market at Callicoon will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Callicoon Creek Park.

The vehicles, including a section for the kids on pedal tractors, will conclude their parade at the Delaware Youth Center field, where Miller’s of Walton, NY will prepare and serve its famous chicken barbecue.

Youth center volunteers will sell toy tractors, fresh-squeezed lemonade and ice cream during the parade, and authentic T-shirts, designed by New York City and Callicoon-based graphic artist Melissa Easton, will be for sale throughout the day. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to the youth center, the parade’s sponsor.

Youth center director Tess McBeath said the money raised would be used to purchase and a new sign for the center, Callicoon’s 2004 renaissance project.

Brenda and Phil Long from the Beechwoods in Callicoon will lead this year’s parade. Tractor-drivers from Sullivan, Wayne Pike and Orange County will make the annual pilgrimage, Langley said. Some will bring restored antique machines and others will boast rusty metals of vintage umber. Those wishing to be in the parade must only bring a tractor. No pre-registration is required.

The event will be held rain or shine. For more information call Langley at 845/887-4444 or 570/224-4235.