NEWS

Farmers add patriotic touch to tractors for parade

Craig Shoup
Reporter

GREEN SPRINGS – A family tradition born two years ago will continue after a one-year hiatus when Bill Frankart sends a host of tractors decorated in red, white and blue to celebrate the annual Independence Day parade in Green Springs on Friday.

“I just try to support our local parade,” Frankart said as his family decorated three regular tractors, a spraying tractor, and a spreader tractor.

Frankart said the five pieces of equipment will be hard to miss as they sport flags, patriotic banners, and flashing lights as they head down Broadway Street during the parade.

The biggest display of patriotism Frankart will unveil during the parade will come with his 375-horse-powered Case IH tractor.

“We usually just do flags and Fourth of July themes,” Frankart said. “We just want to show people what modern farm equipment looks like. Most have never seen it.”

That modern equipment, ranging from 2003 to 2012 models, will feature three John Deere tractors showing off the best of what Frankart’s farm, Ridge View Farms, can offer. The parade will mark the beginning of what Frankart plans to be an annual tradition.

“We hope to continue to do it. Last year, we didn’t have enough time (because of the late start to the farming season),” Frankart said.

The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the annual fireworks display shortly after dark.

cshoup@gannett.com

419-334-1035

Twitter: CraigShoupNH