The Christmas Tractors of Carrick-on-Suir – now into its fifth year – will roll onto the streets sporting over 100,000 lights in what the organisers have billed as ‘a light show like no other’ on December 15.
Approximately 40 tractors of all shapes and sizes, along with a junior contingent and their peddle power tractors, will be illuminated with fairy lights.
Among the vehicles hitting the streets will be the Krone BiG X; the Deutz-Fahr 7250 TTV Warrior; and the New Holland T7.210.
There will be the opportunity to get up close and personal with the tractors, meet the drivers and pick up some gifts at the Crop Cruisers shop.
‘Mad Notion’
Piltown dairy farmer, Stuart Downie, is behind the festive light show. He dreamed up the idea for the agri sparkle fest after a friend went to see the Coca Cola truck and voiced her disappointment with the experience.
“She said she would rather look at tractors on the streets of Carrick, so I took a mad notion to line up illuminated tractors for Christmas,” Stuart said.
“I rang a few of the lads and the next thing there were 10 tractors ready to go and 5,000 people attending.”
The event quickly grew with 18 tractors and a lorry taking part the following year. “It has become a massive success over the years,” said Stuart.
“It’s Ireland’s oldest Christmas tractor parade and has inspired some other towns around the country to follow in its footsteps. The Crop Cruisers, as organisers, see imitation as the sincerest form of flattery.”
Kilkenny Run and Parade
The Crop Cruisers have just announced another event – a 15km long tractor run in Kilkenny on Sunday, December 9 at 2:00pm. This will be followed by a parade of tractors, lorries and cars through the streets of the marble city ‘Plough Through The City‘ at 4:00pm
“I was approached by Three Castle GAA to help them in their approach to organising the event. From there, they invited us on board and to participate in the event itself,” said Stuart.
“We were delighted that Three Castles thought of us. When we all met up a few weeks ago, plans were put in motion and Kilkenny Town Council was approached.”
The event ties into Yulefest, Kilkenny’s Christmas initiative.
“We will bring a few tractors along and I’m sure there will be plenty of other vehicles attending as it’s open to all vehicles, not just tractors. It’s a parade that incorporates the whole city so it should create a great atmosphere about the town,” Stuart said.
“The following Saturday, the Christmas Tractors of Carrick-on-Suir kicks off. We have people from all over the country returning every year to see it and even a family from Australia have booked their dates to return home in time for the light show. And, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance.”