Tractors, Classic Cars Roll through Worthington
Tractors crest the hill along Main Street in Worthington during last night’s annual Farmer’s and Car Parade. Parade Organizer Connie Feeney said it was the biggest parade yet.
by Jonathan Weaver
The annual Worthington-West Franklin Farmer’s and Car Parade down Main Street (Old Route 422) continued to thrive last night.
Along with the hundreds of families lining the parade route (with most waiting for candy), dozens of antique and shiny cars and farm tractors cruised through downtown.
Russ and Shirley Collar, of Cowansville, won a cash award during the parade for featuring their 1938 Chevrolet Truck.
Parade Chair Connie Feeney said vehicles came all across local areas, such as Kittanning and Ford City, while winners were also recorded from Cowansville, Dayton and Cabot.
“This is the biggest farmers parade/car parade we’ve had yet,” Feeney said. “We start in March collecting addresses from the farmers and also from car clubs and sent invitations out the first week of May and they were telling their friends among other friends, and here we go – biggest one yet!
“I think they got plenty of candy tonight – we told them ‘Wait `til Thursday (fireman’s parade). They’ll even get more.”
More than 40 vehicle owners sent back pre-registration, but many more proudly rode through the approximately-40 minute parade.
Instead of trophies, the top four cars and top four tractors were each given cash prizes.
Judge and Parade Announcer Amy Sedwick said it was hard to select the eight winners, but based her scores on spectator response.
“There were a few there that really kept everyone’s attention and interest,” Sedwick said.
A hay wagon pulled via a Bowser Feed Store truck received an award for being driven in memory of former Butler County four-year-old Colbee Lovich. Lovich passed away in September 2014.
Originally of Worthington, Sedwick joked with her son-in-law, Ira, about riding her 1955 John Deere 50 tractor opposite his Farmall through next year’s parade.
Sedwick was joined by three other judges – her daughter, Renee, Kathy Roofner and her daughter, Marion Seavers.
Sound equipment was lent to parade officials by musicians from the classic rock/country band “Full Throttle,” Worthington Fire Chief Randy Bowser said.
“The old system hasn’t been working right, and their band is going to be playing (tonight) so we got (bass guitarist Jerry Claypool) to hook up the speaker,” Chief Bowser said.
The parade was held in memory of Don Long – a past carnival chairman who passed away November 20, 2014. His wife, Marcia, accepted a plaque in his honor amongst her children and grandchildren, and encouraged people to attend Friday’s bike parade.
Marcia will announce Thursday’s parade.
Local News | jweaver June 29, 2016
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