The Second Annual Vintage Tractor Fair will take place on Monday, September 1st, 2014, following the Santa Paula Labor Day Parade.

Monday! Rest up for a full day
of Labor Day fun with Parade, Tractor Fair

August 29, 2014
Santa Paula News

You’ll be able to rest up over the weekend to have all the energy you’ll need for Monday, when the 10th Annual Labor Day Parade will step out on East Main Street, an event followed later by the 2nd Annual Tractor Fair at the Agriculture Museum.

The Labor Day of fun starts at 10 a.m. with the 10th annual parade, the only such procession in Ventura County and one of a just a handful held in the state.

Rodney Cobos, a Santa Paula native and the elected Business Manager/Financial Secretary of United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 484, will be leading the parade as Grand Marshal, representing the union, whose members will be following the convertible.

The parade will march on East Main Street, from 7th to Mill streets and end at the Gazebo where trophies in three categories will be awarded.

“Honoring the Workforce” is the theme of the traditional parade, one of the most popular events in Santa Paula.

The parade will start with a thrilling flyover by Santa Paula Airport aviators, the release of the “Wings of Grace” doves and the singing of the National Anthem by Alyssa Grant.

Judges Laura Araiza, Tisa Grant and Earl McPhail will determine who wins the prize for “Most Original,” “Most Participants,” and “Best Overall Use of the Theme.” 

The parade will feature dozens of entries including floats, marching groups from schools, labor unions, farm workers, families, equestrians, churches, bands, car clubs, military color guard, Topa Topa Flywheelers, veterans, elected officials, cheerleaders, low riders and more! 

“We always get a wonderful turnout for the Labor Day Parade,” said Anita Pulido, one of the founders of the effort to recognize working people in a traditional way each year.

Crowds line both sides of Main Street for the parade, which brings visitors from throughout Ventura County.

Many will follow a vintage tractor, the last entry in the parade for a few short blocks to the second half of the Labor Day celebration, the 2nd Annual Tractor Festival being held at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum!

The museum event will feature an old-fashioned pie-eating contest, dozens of classic farm tractors on display, live music, food trucks, a Kids’ Fun Zone and plenty of “farm-y” fun!

Although admission to the Tractor Fair and Museum (located at 926 Railroad Ave.) is free, there will be a $5 charge to enter the Kids’ Outdoor Fun Zone.

Last year’s Tractor Fair, the museum’s first, drew more than 1,500 visitors, a number that even surprised museum officials. 

It’s easy to see what the event proved to be popular and this year there’s even more to enjoy with more than two dozen classic farm tractors from decades past displayed by their proud owners, members of the famed Topa Topa Flywheelers who will first show off their machines in the Labor Day Parade.

Sponsored by Limoneira Co., the September 1 Tractor Fair will also feature music by the acclaimed Cruise Knights, delicious snacks and meals sold by World Famous Franks and Kona Ice. Beer and wine will also be sold.

The purchase of a $5 wristband will allow visitors into the Kids’ Fun Zone, in a secured area adjacent to the tractors. Families can stay in or return to the Kids’ Fun Zone as they wish, with the wristband. Inside, children can compete in or watch pedal tractor races, or bounce in a supervised, super-sized Jolly Jump. They can also ask for a balloon character from balloon artist Cookie the Clown and enjoy Aloha Animal Experience - from chickens to alpacas - in the petting zoo.

Inside the Museum, visitors can view new exhibits about agriculture and vintage equipment in the now air-conditioned historic building, formerly known - and famed - as The Mill. 

And don’t miss the pie-eating contest to be held at noon.  

Proceeds of this celebration will benefit the Museum’s Ag Education Fund to provide agriculture programs in local schools.

Call the museum at (805) 525-3100 for more information.





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