Callicoon turns to tractors

Jeanne Sager

Posted 6/11/24

Roscoe has its trout, Bethel its music, Monticello its bagels, and Callicoon? Well, Callicoon has its tractors.

Each June on the second Sunday, just as the noon whistle sounds, the …

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Callicoon turns to tractors

Tractor Parade Grand Marshal Al Steppich and granddaughter Ava wave to the crowd.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

You might be a farm kid if you fall asleep while your dad’s driving a tractor! Whalen Feigenbutz held tight to mom Shania while snoozing away.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Greg Keesler of Callicoon joins the tractor drivers in the parade, but this year’s drive was extra special. Keesler drove in honor of his father Phil and mother Linda, both of whom passed away in recent months. Phil was a lover of the annual parade, and Greg mounted a memorial on his dad’s 1944 Farmall to pay tribute to “Phil’s last ride.”

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Teddy Strickler, 3 1/2, is a “tractor enthusiast,” so it was only fitting that he visit his grandparents in Milanville, Pa. and attend the Callicoon parade.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

The tractor lineup saw 251 machines fill up Main Street in the hamlet of Callicoon. Decorating the farming equipment were American flags, signs and brands, all highlighting the love the community feels for the time honored tradition.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Allie Hofer and her giant smile wandered Main Street selling tractor-themed balloons and pinwheels to raise money for her 4-H club, the Moo Juicers.

Jeanne Sager | Democrat

Posted Tuesday, June 11, 2024 6:10 am

Jeanne Sager

Roscoe has its trout, Bethel its music, Monticello its bagels, and Callicoon? Well, Callicoon has its tractors.

Each June on the second Sunday, just as the noon whistle sounds, the tractors roll through town in celebration of all things tractor ... and of the rich farming community that has helped shape the river town over the past few centuries.

This Sunday, 251 of the machines were driven along the parade route by local farmers, excavators, landscapers and tractor enthusiasts alike.

From Farmalls fabricated in the 40s to John Deeres built in this century, they played to a crowd of thousands of onlookers in town to celebrate Callicoon, farming and — of course — tractors.