Bravo to the Florence Civic and Business Association [FCBA] for envisioning and manifesting the first annual Tractor Parade. Parading from Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School to Look Park on a dark and chilly night, 39 tractors aglow with dazzling lights and gleeful riders and drivers delivered such delight to the citizens of Florence and beyond.

We lined the streets laughing and bubbling, meeting new neighbors, ooohing and ahhhhhing over these oh-so-practical, and yet for tonight, oh-so-jubilant tractors.

It’s hard to think of a tractor as heartwarming, but here they were captivating all of our hearts with such surprise, enchantment and connection: connection to each other and to the possibilities of community and collaboration in these difficult times. For a moment it was just the happy crowd, the light, the music and the tractors bringing us all together with joy. Thank you, FCBA!

Candace Birk

Florence