Rockwood farmers’ parade celebrates 30 years

Parade of lights – The Rockwood Farmers’ Annual Santa Claus Parade of Lights returned for its 30th year on Dec. 8 with farm tractors and agricultural equipment adorned in Christmas lights and decorations. The parade began at 7pm, just north of Rockwood’s village border.

The parade is designed to raise awareness about agriculture in a fun and engaging way, bringing big farm machines out from the fields and into the streets. It started informally with around 10 farmers who decided to dress up their farm equipment for the Christmas season and ride through the village streets as a holiday gesture of goodwill to their non-farming neighbours. At the time, night parades weren’t yet the norm.

As it grew, the Township of Guelph/Eramosa came on board to look after permits and assist with road closures and planning.