Tractor Parade Guide 2024 by Fahy-Williams Publishing

Welcome to the 2024 Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade

Asthe crisp autumn air sets in and the holiday season approaches, the Greater Greenwich Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of the cherished Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade.

For years, this parade has brought our community together, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our local farmers and businesses. It’s a great time to celebrate our agricultural roots while creating joyful memories with friends and family. From the magical lights and colorful decorations adorning the tractors to the cheerful waves from our community members, the spirit of the season truly comes alive!

This year, we have a new streamlined route! The tractors will step off from Capital Tractor in Greenwich at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, heading east and staying straight down to the end of Main Street.

The parade promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring an array of festive tractors, local vendors and entertainment for all ages. Whether participating in the parade or cheering from the sidelines, your presence adds to the magic of this special event.

In addition to the parade, we invite you to join in the festivities throughout the afternoon before 6 p.m. There will be a wide array of food trucks, music, shopping, horsedrawn wagon rides and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! The stars of the show will be available at the Chamber info building on Academy Street for “Selfies with Santa.” Don’t

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forget to stop at one of the tents or carts where we will sell exclusive parade-goer attire, too!

This keepsake guide will be your go-to for information on the new parade route, entertainment, food options, restroom locations and EMS services. Many thanks to our valued sponsors and advertisers who made this program possible!

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and all those who contributed their time, resources and enthusiasm to make this celebration possible. The efforts of the people in this community make our small town shine brightly during the holidays.

Join us as we kick off the season of giving and gratitude. Let’s gather together, celebrate our community spirit and create lasting memories that we’ll cherish for years to come.

Happy holidays,

Rulyn Graves and Evelyn Costello Co-Chairs, Greater Greenwich Chamber of Commerce

YOU BELONG

Parade Information

Activities

Selfies with Santa

Time: 2pm to 4pm

Location: Info Booth, 6 Academy Street

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

Time: 2pm to 5pm

Location: Washington Square

Music in the Park

Time: 4pm to 7pm

Location: Mowry Park

Official Souvenirs

• Tents and carts located around the village are designated with “Official Souvenirs” signs (Hoodies, long-sleeve shirts, knit hats & more!)

Food, Beer & Wine

(see the parade map on page 10-11 for locations)

/GreenwichTractorParade

#GreenwichTractorParade

Supporting Local Commerce and Community Prosperity

TheGreenwich Chamber of Commerce is committed to enhancing the success of its members, advancing its local economy, and improving the quality of life through resources, advocacy, and unwavering support. The Chamber’s mission is to strengthen the southern Washington County region as the best place to live, work, learn, and play.

The individuals representing The Greenwich Chamber stand by guiding principles that define their approach and ensure the most significant impact on their members and the community. These include complete accountability, fostering inclusiveness, providing clear membership value, and continuously pursuing excellence in everything they do.

The Chamber focuses on Community & Economic Development, enhancing the overall quality of life and expanding economic opportunities throughout the region. It also prioritizes Education, Training & Connections, delivering high-quality, valuable opportunities for members to connect, learn, and grow their businesses. Membership Benefits are central to what the Chamber offers—meaningful resources and services that help businesses thrive. Furthermore, the Greenwich Chamber ensures Operational Excellence within the organization, running it with innovation, efficiency, and productivity at the forefront. Finally, it is dedicated to Public Policy Advocacy, representing the interests of its members at the local, state, and federal levels to support and strengthen local commerce and services.

At the core of its mission is supporting those in the Greenwich community. The Chamber actively promotes the importance of the Buy Local movement, encouraging residents to support local businesses, which fosters economic growth and sustainability. Through various initiatives and events, the Chamber creates spaces for networking that lead to collaboration and increased prosperity for small businesses. This network allows local entrepreneurs and business owners to share ideas, resources, and support, helping the entire region grow stronger together.

In all that they do, the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to creating a prosperous, connected, and thriving community that benefits all who live, work, and do business in Greenwich, NY.

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THANK YOU TO OUR 12th Annual

Tractor Parade SPONSORS

Battenkill Vet

Braymer Construction, LLC

Braymer Fuels, INC.

CaroVail

Flynn Bros. Inc.

Glens Falls National Bank

Just Because

Law Offices of Newell and Klingebiel

Mark Samu Photography

Repeat Business Systems

Santa & the Mrs.

South Dominion Vineyard

Stephanie Woodard Real Estate at eXp Realty

Stewart’s Shops

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga

Washington County Co-Op Ins. Co.

Wilbur Financial Group

Argyle Brewing Company, LLC

Battenkill Motors

Booth’s Blend

Clutch

Flatley Read, Inc.

Gather

Greenwich House of Pizza

Greenwich Materials

Helping Hands Physical Therapy

Lakestyle

Diamond

Silver Bronze

Platinum

Presented by

Odd Duck Farm

Gold

Clifford Oliver Mealy Named Grand Marshal of the Greenwich Lighted Tractor Parade

The Greenwich Lighted Tractor Parade is proud to announce that Clifford Oliver Mealy will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal. A respected photographer and cherished member of the community, Mealy’s deep connection to the local agricultural scene and his love for the town of Greenwich make him the perfect choice to lead this beloved tradition. His journey to becoming an integral part of the town’s farming community reflects his admiration for the hardworking farmers of Washington County. His gratitude for this honor shines through in every word.

Mealy, a talented photographer who has spent years capturing the essence of rural life, credits his work with the Washington County Fair, Agricultural Stewardship Association, Capital Tractor and Morning Ag Clips as central to his immersion in Washington County’s agricultural community. “I believe my sincere respect and admiration for farms and farmers is evident in my work, and people see it,” Mealy shared, reflecting on the deep bond he’s formed with the farming community.

His role as Grand Marshal is not something he takes lightly. “I am honored that I was asked to be the Grand Marshal of the Tractor Parade. I believe there are more qualified people than me but no one as grateful,” Mealy humbly expressed. He acknowledged the profound connection he feels with the Greenwich community, which he describes as reciprocal. “I love this community – smells and all – and this honor proves the love is reciprocal.”

Mealy and his wife, Wendy, found their way to Greenwich in 1990 continued on page 13

Witche’s Village Cafe Just Meats

Elsasser’s Beim 111

Gather 103

Wallie’s of Greenwich Main

Argyle Brewing Company

Bozy Baker

Greenwich

& TENTS

Reggies Veggies

Moby Dick’s Fish Fry (see ad page 12)

MacMurry & Sons

Squires Kettle Korn Co.

Tony’s Concessions

Jay’s Pizza (see ad page 12)

The Clever Cleaver Foodtruck

Screaming Eagle Concessions

Fries Before Guys

Brew’d Coffee

Innovo Kitchen

Rob & Traci’s All Things Delicious

Ted’s Fish Fry on Wheels

Kaleidoscope Cafe All Fried Up LLC

from a small town in Dutchess County when Mealy was working as a photographer for New York State’s Bureau of Historic Sites. Drawn to the charm of the old houses and towering trees, the couple instantly knew they had found their new home. “From day one, neighbors Maria Riera and Carolee Brockway welcomed us with food,” Mealy recalled fondly, describing the warm hospitality that greeted them upon arrival.

For Mealy, farming is about more than just working the land. It’s about the deeper connection to the world around us. “Our dependence and closeness to other earthlings is easily my favorite benefit of farming. Food is a close second. Maybe not even second – probably a tie,” he said.

With the lighted tractors soon to roll through the streets, it is clear that Mealy’s presence at the helm will make this year’s parade one to remember, honoring both his dedication to the community and his humble reverence for the people and land that make it special. Grand Marshal

Past Grand Marshals

• Seth McEachron

• Wayne Foote

• Ed Skiff

• Harry Booth

Craig Roods

Betsy Foote

Dick and Bob Nessle

The Agricultural Backbone

of Southern Washington County

Agriculture is a leading industry in southern Washington County,

New York, where fertile soils and proximity to major markets have fostered a thriving agricultural sector. The area boasts a robust farming economy that not only supports local food production but also drives diverse businesses ranging from service providers to retail shops. In fact, the agricultural industry generates close to $140 million in direct sales annually, with its overall contribution to the county’s economy reaching over $224 million each year.

Dairy farming is at the heart of Washington County’s agricultural activity, forming the backbone of the local economy. In addition to dairy, other commodities such as beef, livestock, field crops, maple syrup, and apples play important roles in sustaining the area’s agricultural output. Many of these commodities have spurred related industries like hard cider and cheese production, boosting both the food and beverage sectors. The equine industry, with strong ties to nearby Saratoga, is also expanding and contributing to this vibrant agricultural landscape.

Agritourism in Washington County

Washington County’s agriculture is strongly connected to tourism as well. Agritourism is on the rise, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to explore the region’s farms and participate in events like Maple Weekend, Fiber Tour, Cheese Tour, and the Craft Beverage Trail. These events showcase the region’s agricultural bounty while creating lasting connections between farmers and consumers.

Local farmers markets can be found throughout Washington County as well, offering an array of fresh, healthy produce and other locally produced goods. These markets are a key part of the county’s agricultural scene, alongside longstanding farm stands and informal roadside displays that beckon passersby with colorful fruits, vegetables, and bedding plants. Washington County is also home to several Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, which allow residents to receive shares of locally grown, freshly harvested foods directly from farmers.

Agriculture’s Impact on Greenwich

Greenwich is a proud part of southern Washington County.

Agriculture has always been more than just an economic driver for Greenwich — it is a way of life. The town’s close-knit community is deeply connected to the land, with multi-generational farms continuing to operate and evolve in response to modern challenges and opportunities. Farmers markets, local fairs, and agricultural events, like the annual Washington County Fair, celebrate this heritage and promote the importance of supporting local farmers.

Take a drive through Greenwich this fall and you will see tractors in the fields, farm stands ready to sell pumpkins, and signs for farmer’s markets. Agriculture is all around and the people of Greenwich wouldn’t want it any other way.

The Lasting Impact of Agriculture

Agriculture’s importance in southern Washington County extends beyond its economic value—it is a community cornerstone, fostering connections between locals, businesses, and visitors alike. Whether through direct sales, supporting industries, or the growing agritourism sector, the county’s agricultural contributions continue to enrich the region in profound ways.

Today, the farmers of southern Washington County carry on this proud tradition, blending time-honored practices with modern innovation to sustain their farms, communities, and the agricultural heritage that defines this remarkable region.