Residents of Montgomery got a taste of the area’s farming history on Saturday, August 31 during the village’s Skip Chambers Tractor Parade, an annual tradition in collaboration with Norbury “Skip” Chambers and Grand Hollow Old Time Power Association to squeeze as many tractors into the village as humanly possible.

From noon to 1:30 p.m., over 270 tractors roamed the village streets, driving through Union and Clinton streets before reaching the open fields on Ward Street. Hundreds of residents crowded sidewalks and curbsides and marveled as these vehicles breezed past them, coming in all different sizes, colors, and variants. Everyone could pick out at least one favorite tractor, from the older, rustic units of the mid-1900s to this year’s modern, sleeker models.

“It’s been great. I like the John Deere 4440 and 3020 models,” said Dan Vandermark, a visitor hanging out with his friends.

“You just can’t beat the parade. It doesn’t get any better than this. Always a good time,” said Connor Froehlich, a resident who fancies the White 2-105 and 2-70 models.

The party continued after 2 p.m. after the crowd moved to the Chambers Tractor Sales, where they got a closer look at the tractors while enjoying food, browsing vendors, operating hit-or-miss engines, and hitching a hayride or two. The farm day concluded with a chicken BBQ at 4 p.m. and square dancing at 7 p.m., capping off another triumphant tractor takeover.

“It’s been very nice and a very good turnout. Very beautiful day out too,” Chambers said.

“It’s been eye-opening seeing all the different tractors. I hope there are more vendors next year,” said Sharga Frey, a visitor from Middletown. “It’s a fun family event and I’m amazed to see how many farmers came through.”