The Joy of Southern Festivals

June 28, 2025

The Joy of Southern Festivals

2025 Georgia Strawberry Festival - Reynolds, Ga.

In the vibrant tapestry of the South, festivals are more than mere celebrations; they are a heartfelt homage to community, tradition, and the bountiful harvests provided by hardworking farmers. These gatherings, often bursting with music, parades, beauty queens, and culinary delights, reflect a deep-seated appreciation for those who cultivate the land. Each festival, whether it be a county fair or a grand state celebration, serves as a testament to the region's rich agricultural heritage. Farmers are honored as the stewards of the earth, their dedication and toil yielding the fruits and vegetables that become the stars of these festive occasions. The love of festivals in the South is, therefore, intrinsically linked to an admiration for the farmers, whose harvests not only sustain but also unite communities in joyous celebration.

One such festival is the Georgia Strawberry Festival in Reynolds, GA, which began in 1998. One of the highlights is the Antique Tractor Show and parade. An assortment of manufacturers were featured. The list below gives a brief history of each:

Ford has a rich history in tractor manufacturing, beginning with the Fordson in 1917, which was a revolutionary, mass-produced, and affordable tractor. The company later introduced the N-series tractors, including the 9N, 2N, and 8N models, with the 9N being notable for incorporating Harry Ferguson's three-point hitch system. Ford sold its tractor division to Fiat in 1991, and the tractors were subsequently renamed New Holland.

The Farmall tractor, manufactured by International Harvester (IH), an American truck, tractor, and construction equipment company, revolutionized farming with its innovative row-crop design and became one of the most popular tractor brands. Introduced in 1924, the Farmall was the first commercially successful tractor designed for cultivating row crops like corn and cotton. Its narrow, closely-spaced front wheels allowed it to navigate between rows, while its high rear axle allowed it to straddle plants during cultivation. The Farmall name was usually presented as McCormick-Deering Farmall and later McCormick Farmall. By 1973, IH had officially dropped the 'Farmall' name from its new tractor models, ending an era that began with the first Farmall Regular back in 1924.

On February 1, 1974, at 9:00 A.M., the 5,000,000th IH tractor came off the assembly line at the Farmall Works plant in Rock Island, Illinois. IH was the first tractor manufacturer to officially accomplish this production threshold.

The company was renamed Navistar International in 1986 after selling off its agricultural division. Navistar continues to produce International brand trucks, as well as school buses and engines.

Allis-Chalmers, a name once prominent in agricultural machinery, has a rich history beginning in 1847 as a foundry and machine shop. The company, which started in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, evolved into a major tractor manufacturer, known for its distinctive orange tractors. Allis-Chalmers' journey included pioneering innovations like the first mass-produced tractor with pneumatic tires and the use of bright orange paint for better visibility.

While the Allis-Chalmers brand no longer exists as an independent entity, its tractors, particularly the orange ones, remain cherished by collectors and enthusiasts.

John Deere & Company was founded by blacksmith John Deere in 1837, in Grand Detour, Illinois. Deere's pivotal invention was the first commercially successful self-scouring steel plow, which revolutionized farming in the American Midwest. The company's history is deeply intertwined with the expansion and development of the United States, particularly the agricultural sector.

Today, John Deere & Company is a global leader in agricultural, construction, forestry, and other equipment.

Parade highlights: