A decade-long tradition continues as Thorp students showcase “old relics” to show support for the local agricultural community.
At Thorp High School in Wisconsin, instead of seeing a bus full of kids heading to class, students paraded through town with tractors. On May 15, 25 students followed a near decade-long tradition of driving their farm machinery to school. Senior student Blake Ciolkosz helped organize this year’s event. He says the parade is a way to highlight the local agricultural community.
“It just shows there’s still a little appreciation for farmers,” Blake says. “There are a lot of farms here that are still operational, a lot of kids in high school work on farms.”
Blake drove an International 4586, and his cousin Max Ciolkosz drove an International 1456.
“It feels great getting to drive an old relic through town, with older people appreciating something like that still going,” Max explains.
Tractor Parade Showcases Community Support and Ag Spirit
Students meet up at a local hardware store and drive about one mile north to the high school. Blake and Max say farmers and community members support and watch the parade. Some locals even drive through the school parking lot to see the tractors.
“It just shows the community supports us in every way possible,” Blake says. “They’re waving, they’re smiling, they’re taking pictures, they think it’s the coolest thing ever.”
Blake shares that some elementary and high school teachers brought their classes to check out the experience. That is why Max and Blake recommend others who are thinking about following in their footsteps to just go for it. They say the fun and community involvement are worth the planning and organizing.
“I don’t do it for myself, I don’t think any of us do it for ourselves, it’s mostly just to see the love and joy of our community,” Blake explains.
Max and Blake share that their family has helped lead the celebration since 2020. Max says this event is a good way to include locals who might not even be involved in the ag industry.
“I have cousins that aren’t really in the farming world, so offering rides to them and friends is fun,” Max explains.
After graduating this year, Blake plans to continue to work on his family’s farm alongside his brother. They milk 180 cows and have 1,300 acres of alfalfa, corn and soybeans. Max also plans to continue to work on his family’s farm, where they grow corn and soybeans.
