They came from Sherman, Ripley, Clymer, Findley Lake, Mayville, Westfield, and even Wattsburg and Conneautville, Pa., to participate in the Sherman Lighted Tractor Parade this month.

Seldom does a relatively new event generate such excitement and anticipation. The third annual Sherman Lighted Tractor Parade, organized by the Sherman Chamber of Commerce had 61 entries.

As the array of tractors, trucks, horses, golf carts, ATVs and more rolled through Main Street, spectators cheered and applauded the displays, which ranged from farm animals, Santa, the Grinch, and Christmas trees, to Disney’s Frozen and gingerbread houses.

“Every year it seems to grow and this year it looked to be our biggest crowd, despite the cold temperatures,” said organizer Michelle Emory. “I heard lots of people singing along to the music, from the floats, as well as the Christmas music that streamed through the downtown speakers — many smiles and many people yelling Merry Christmas!”

Indeed, even though the temperature dipped below 20 degrees and the parade started late due to the task of lining up so many entries, the crowd remained enthusiastic and attentive. “Just getting 61 units all lined up delayed the parade,” Emory said. “Lots of large equipment takes up a lot of room, so getting them in order can be a challenge, but we managed it. We work every year to make improvements and make things run smoothly.”

The emcee for the parade was Drew Campbell from Westfield Ag & Turf. “He has done our tractor parades in the past and does a fabulous job,” Emory said. “Our Mayor Colleen Meeder helps out on the podium, as well as our judges, Bill Rowan, Dick Watrous and Norm Rater, who are all from Sherman.”

The Grand Marshal for the parade was Dave Conrad of Conrad Construction. He is also the owner of the Sherman Hotel, which recently opened on Main Street.

Meeder said the parade was a huge success. “The white winter wonderland of blanketed snow was the perfect backdrop to reflect the dancing and shimmering Christmas Lights, along with the quaint covered walkway awnings along the historic Main Street, which are crisscrossed with colored lights,” she said. “The inspiration for the event came from the owners of the Cooler Bar & Grille, and the Sherman Chamber of Commerce. Local businesses organize this extravagant event, fully supported by the Village of Sherman.”

Meeder noted that the Lighted Tractor Parade was the main event in the week-long Sherman Christmas celebration throughout the village. “The businesses and community organizations sponsored a host of family fun activities, including Christmas competitions, a scavenger hunt, a chili cook-off, and free horse drawn wagon rides,” she said.

Both Meeder and Emory agreed that the tractor parade elevates peoples’ Christmas spirit. “The most enjoyment comes from sharing this truly creative experience with multiple generations of family participants,” Meeder said. “An endless number of Christmas characters bounce and roll down Main St for everyone’s entertainment, hot cocoa and treats abound along the charming parade route, and the restaurants are open to satisfy any appetite.”

“I know for me, it makes my heart warm and I’m sure it does for everyone else,” Emory said. “So much work goes into the floats, along with so much creativity . . . how can this not get you into the Christmas spirit?”

Tractor parade winners in the Large category were: 1st Place – Safford Services; 2nd Place – Westfield Ag & Turf; and 3rd Place – the Sherman Day Committee. Winners in the Small category were: 1st Place – the Robson Family; 2nd Place – Wes Evans and 3rd Place – the Cooler Bar & Grill.

Sponsors for the event include: The Chamber of Commerce, The Village of Sherman, The Cooler Bar and Grille, Miss Laura’s Place, Westfield Ag & Turf, John Wiggers & Son, Lictus Keystone Inc., Triple E. Sherman’s Inn on Main, Sherman Area Pharmacy, Community Bank, Napa, Wave Seekings, Doug and Susie Hayes and Cole Electric.