With the holiday season here, there’s not much better than ag-focused Christmas lights. Staying true to their agriculture roots, the Lowville FFA chapter in New York has chosen to deck out tractors (and other farm equipment) over decking the halls.
The Lowville chapter has hosted an annual Tractor Lighting Contest for three years, inviting anyone from within the school district to join in the fun. Lowville FFA members kicked off the contest by setting up their own Case IH L620 in front of the academy with lights and gifts.
“Seeing all the middle schoolers come out and try to get the lights on the tractor is fun to watch,” said Faith Diddle, president of the Lowville FFA chapter, told News7.
The contest applies to more than just tractors; all forms of agriculture equipment qualified. The contest kicked off with community members and businesses setting up their displays on Dec. 14, with voting held Sunday.
It’s a way to bring together the community with the challenge of decorating the best farm equipment.
After photos were posted on the FFA’s alumni and supporters Facebook page, winners were chosen through votes on each image. First and second-place winners receive $50, and third place receives $25. The winner’s name will also be displayed at the school on a perpetual plaque.
Here are this year’s winners
1st Place: Silvery Falls Farm
2nd Place: Kelly Enterprise
Other entrants included Growmark FS, Hostetter Holsteins, Dennis and Jackie Mahoney, the Szalach Family, and Caleb Bush.
Other FFA chapters are getting in on the holiday fun
Keep an eye out for other chapters getting in on the action in all kinds of holiday events representing FFA.
FFA members from Kelly-Benton FFA in Missouri decorated a float for the Benson Christmas Parade.
Then, there’s the Ferndale FFA Chapter in California, which built a massive cow float and braved the cold, wet weather in the Ferndale Lighted Tractor Parade.
»Related: The meaning of Christmas on the farm