FFA members celebrated the final school day of FFA week on Feb. 27 by driving 13 tractors through town and around campus for the chapter’s annual tractor parade.

Students and teachers lined the streets to watch the procession, which remains one of the organization’s largest annual events. For many participants, the parade is a long-awaited milestone . Members rode with their friends on tractors or together with teachers. 

Freshman Aspen Legg said, “I loved being able to bring my tractor to school after years of waiting. It was by far my favorite day of the week. In junior high I loved watching the parade and was always excited about one day getting to bring mine.”

Some FFA members anticipated since junior high to bring their family’s tractor and show off while also carrying on the tradition of the Alumni.

Senior Bryson Caudle said, “I have done it every year since sophomore year. I do it because we have the honor of driving them to school and following on with the tradition before us. It is fun having a good time with your FFA folks and talking amongst your passenger in the tractor as you go around town and having the ability to to teach them things about it and even drive.”

Caudle took foreign exchange student, junior Viktoria Dauss,  for a tractor ride in the parade, giving her a taste of Southern culture. Caudle taught her how to drive while also explaining how to operate a tractor.

The parade brought fun and smiles to children’s faces while sharing a love of agriculture and spreading Southern Illinois culture.