The mid-August weekend will see two tractor parades roll out in Vankleek Hill and Winchester to carry on local country fair traditions in a modest way this year. A third tractor parade may also take place in Saint-Albert during that same weekend as a rain date alternative to organizers’ original plan for a roll-out on August 9.

Parade organizers in each community presented their COVID-19 protection plans for each event to the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) for review, recommendations, and approval. Parade participants and spectators are all urged to cooperate by observing mandatory masking requirements and also maintaining social distancing where necessary to meet pandemic protection guidelines for the event.

The August 16 route planned for the Saint-Albert tractor parade is from the community centre to the Saint-Albert Cheese Factory. The Winchester tractor parade route that same day will pass by the Dundas Manor.

The Vankleek Hill tractor parade also takes place August 16, starting from the village fair ground at 1 p.m. for a 45-minute route through the community and finishing again at the fair grounds. Two people per tractor are allowed onto the fair ground for a maximum of 100 people on site during the event. Organizers will maintain a list of people on site to assist the EOHU with any contact tracing later of new COVID-19 cases if that proves necessary.

No spectators will be allowed on the fairgrounds during the event. Access is limited to parade participants and their vehicles and parade volunteers.

The Vankleek Hill Fire Department will assist with traffic control during the event and escorting the parade along the route.