There’s a summer parade in Waterman that you won’t want to miss! And this one is exclusively tractors!
See lots of tractors – from vintage to modern ones – as the farm machines power through the streets of Waterman on Saturday, July 18. Farmers and other tractor drivers will showcase a variety of large and small tractors for the community’s enjoyment.
The Tractor Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. beginning at Lions Park. It is being cosponsored by the Waterman Lions Club and the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.
From the streets of Waterman you will be able to vote for your favorite tractor by texting the tractor number to a designated text site. The tractor with the most texts will be awarded a prize.
For those interested in driving a tractor in the parade, contact the Farm Bureau office to enter your tractor. Entry fee is $40 which goes to DeKalb County Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program and also covers the cost of a noon meal prepared by the Lions Club.
Tractors will check in by 9:30 a.m. and line up at Lions Park, 271 S. Birch St., Waterman. Leading the Tractor Parade will be Mark Tuttle, DeKalb County Farm Bureau President.
Tractor drivers who want a longer ride may also participate in a tractor drive which starts at 8 a.m. at Rollo Park and ends at Waterman Lions Park by 9:30 a.m. to participate in the Waterman Tractor Parade.
The Tractor Parade is part of the modified 20th Annual Summerfest in Waterman. This year the Lions Club is planning the parade, a drive thru grilled meal (pork chop, hamburger or hot dog sandwich), and draw-down raffle during the day. In the evening they are making plans for an outdoor drive-in movie and fireworks, all while practicing social distancing.
For more information contact Shawn Blobaum, Waterman Lions Club, 815-275-4874 or Mariam Wassmann, Farm Bureau Foundation, 815-756-6361.
Tractor drivers, register at Farm Bureau
Get on your tractor and go for a ride in the Waterman Tractor Parade and Pre-Parade Tractor Drive on July 18. Old and new tractors can be driven by any age of licensed drivers. Drivers interested in being in the Pre-Parade Tractor Drive and/or Waterman Tractor Parade should register with the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. Registration is due by July 13.