The“ Georgette’ s Girls” stand proudly in front of one of the Wilburton’ s celebrated tractor parade floats
COURTESY WILBURTON INN a rock-climbing wall with people actually climbing it as the parade went by. That was very creative. I loved the Minions theme too— I’ m a big fan of the Minions movies. And there was a float where a business put a beautiful red oven in the bucket of a tractor with a giant bow. It was such a clever way to showcase their work.”
School groups often draw inspiration from classic holiday imagery.“ The schools are great,” Burnham says.“ They’ ve done Charlie Brown themes, reindeer, and all sorts of creative designs.”
For entrants, the parade is both celebration and exposure.“ It really gets their name out,” Mike Baker explains.“ Everybody remembers Jim & Liam’ s Cutting Edge because they had such a gorgeous float, or Albert Levis at the Wilburton and his Museum of the Creative Process. Because of their floats, people who come up to Manchester from out of town for the parade get to know where Wilburton is and who Jim & Liam are. It’ s a great advertising piece for all of the organizations and businesses.”
Community Impact
The tractor parade is as much about those along the sidewalks as those on the floats.“ By far, my favorite part of the parade is just watching how the community comes together to embrace it,” says Burnham.“ Seeing how many people are lined up on the streets to watch and cheer is what it’ s all about. And it’ s not just local residents— it’ s visitors too. Some people have told me they travel specifically to Manchester for the parade. I’ ve gotten emails from people saying they plan their visit around it.” Baker echoes that sentiment.“ It gives people the small-town feel— the sense of community,” he reflects.“ I’ ve talked to folks who come up to their ski homes just so they can be here for the parade. Last year was our biggest one yet. The pizza place was booming all night long, and other shops were packed. People love being part of it.” The sense of shared purpose is also evident in the collaboration among participants.“ Even though there are categories and winners, everybody helps each other out,” Burnham says.“ That spirit of cooperation is part of what makes the parade special.”
Manchester Merriment
The tractor parade is a cornerstone of Manchester Merriment, a series of holiday events coordinated by the Manchester Business Association and community partners. Burnham identifies the anchor events: the town Tree Lighting the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Shires Holiday Inn Tours( which spans two weekends in December), and the Santa Express train ride, which is perfect for families in search of a fun Holiday outing. These events, along with concerts, craft fairs, and family gatherings, create a season-long atmosphere of holiday festivity. The parade, however, is distinct in its ability to showcase Manchester’ s identity.“ We are a tourist destination, but we are also a wonderfully unique community,” Burnham says.“ The tractor parade brings all of that together.” n
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