By Maggie Edwards 

Rumbling engines wrapped in twinkling lights rolled through Ariton last December as dozens of tractors decked in garland paraded through downtown. 

The Ariton Christmas Tractor Parade brings the community together while celebrating a country Christmas, said Barbour County Young Farmers Secretary Shelby Easterling. 

“It’s special,” said Easterling, who farms with husband Cade. “Seeing farmers and other citizens come out to Main Street to see the festive Christmas decorations on tractors typically covered in dust is nostalgic.” 

Easterling was among three Wiregrass leaders who pitched the parade idea after seeing viral social media videos of tractors covered in Christmas lights during the COVID-19 pandemic. The inaugural parade was in 2021.

“People thought we were crazy putting lights on equipment, but it’s turned out to be an event everyone loves,” Easterling said. “It has also evolved into community outreach for local Young Farmers.” 

Dalton St. Cin serves on the Dale County Farmers Federation board and is also a local Young Farmer. He said it’s magical seeing the small town come together to celebrate the season. During last year’s parade, St. Cin’s family tractor was adorned with lights, bows and an inflatable Grinch. He said the most exciting part was pulling a peanut wagon filled with fellow farmers. 

“It’s fulfilling to see our community pull together to showcase not only agriculture but our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” said St. Cin, a poultry and cattle farmer. “It makes me proud to see folks showing up to support us, too. It gives me hope for our future farmers — that they will see the impact they can make to highlight agriculture.”

Nicki Hamm and Tyler Sutton were instrumental in making the magic happen.

“We are all thirsting for community involvement,” said Hamm, a retired educator who raises poultry and works for Wiregrass RC&D. “When I was little, there were so many community events in Ariton. It just seems like some of that has fallen away. This gets everyone excited again.” 

Local churches sprinkle joy into the event, too. Hot chocolate, snacks and baked goods keep the crowd warm and happy, Hamm said. 

“We also involve law enforcement and local pageant queens,” said Hamm, a member of the Ariton Town Council. “We welcome anyone who wants to be involved. The only thing is that you have to be riding in or on something farm related. We’ve seen horses, combines, spreader trucks, ATVs and more.” 

Hamm and Easterling agree keeping the parade casual is their key to success.

“Being casual is important for the farming community,” Hamm said. “We can’t always plan ahead. Farmers feel the same way. Our method gives folks the chance to be involved without making a huge commitment.” 

Hamm’s love for the parade stems from her passion for agriculture. 

“I think about the little boys and girls who have never seen tractors before,” Hamm said. “It’s important to me that we all recognize the role agriculture plays. Ag is embedded into the Wiregrass. We should support our farmers and respect them. This parade does that while celebrating Jesus.”

The 2025 Ariton Christmas Tractor Parade is Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.