Tractors & Trees 2021

Winters Wonderland DECEMBER 3RD

Starts at 4pm Meet Santa Claus and enjoy an Elf Hunt, Cocoa Stroll and our annual Tree Lighting ceremony!

DECEMBER 4TH

Starts at 6pm Join Winters in our Annual Tractor Parade celebrating the Holiday Season!

Enjoy food trucks and more!

Winters Wonderland & Tree Lighting Friday, December 3rd

4pm - 8:30pm

Tree Lighting Elf Hunt Hot Cocoa Crawl Visit with Santa Live Holiday Music Featuring the choirs from Waggoner Elementary School, Winters Middle School & The Winters High School Band!

Saturday, December 4th

Parade Starts at 6:30pm Thank you Sponsors!

For more information visit: www.winterschamber.com

Page 2 — Tractors and Trees, December 3rd & 4th, 2021

Favorites gear up for return of Tractor Parade

By Aaron Geerts Staff writer Engines are revving and lights are twinkling as Winters gears up for the much-anticipated return of the annual Tractor Parade. With no better way to kick off the holiday season, some of the town’s favorite entrants reflect on this diesel-fueled tradition.

In a chestnut shell, the parade is comprised of a variety of different tractors covered from grill to trailer hitch in dazzling Christmas lights and unique decorations. With the only limitation being that of imagination, one shouldn’t expect a shortage of creativity or ingenuity rolling down Main Street on Dec 4.

For Stan Lester, owner of Lester Farms, history and tradition are key factors in what his team enters into the parade every year.

“Ever since it started, we’ve always had an antique tractor there because we have a variety of internationals and older John Deere tractors,” Lester said explaining his vintage-approach to the parade. “We like to put a sign on our tractors saying what year it is and how much horsepower it has, so it’s a little bit of education for the families and kids.

There’s people with new tractors in the parade and that’s why I like to run the old ones. You think back to when these were made in the 30s and 40s and it’s pretty amazing what people were able to manufacture in those days and how they helped our nation.”

While Lester showcases the allure of tractors’ past, Eric Wilson, Sustainability Manager at Rominger Brothers Farms, opts to flaunt more modern machinery.

“We go for ‘go big or go home.’ Last year, we took our semi-low bed and bar-

LEFT: Turkovich Family Wines has been a fan favorite from the first parade with their giant balloon fire torch blazing down Main Street.

BELOW: Lester Farms featured a 22-horsepower 1952 John Deere model MT in 2018.

Rosemary Hemenway/ Express photos

“The parade is a very fitting event for the community and it’s fun to be a part of it and watch it grow as quick as it has the last few years.”

Chris Turkovich, Turkovich Family Wines owner rowed a trial plot combine which is a mini version of a grain harvester. Then we made fake candy canes out of flexible drainpipe so it looked like a harvester going through a field of candy canes,” Wilson said. “To see 40-something entries, it draws attention to the agriculture of the town. It’s a fun way to be a part of the community and make people smile. I hope people come out and have a blast.”

Perhaps one of the most memorable of Tractor Parade attractions is Turkovich Family Wines’ flamethrowing float. Even though the pyrotechnics perhaps fried every street light sensor down Main Street on the float’s first appearance, the hot air balloon basket has become a staple of the parade.

“We decided in the first year we wanted to be a

part of the parade. I had a friend from Yolo Ballooning Adventures, and he said they don’t have a tractor, but they have a basket and wanted to participate.

So, we put it all together,” Chris Turkovich, Turkovich Family Wines owner, said, explaining the genesis of their fiery float. “The parade is a very fitting event for the community and it’s fun to be a part of it

and watch it grow as quick as it has the last few years.”

The Tractor Parade is more than an attraction, it’s a perfect representation of Winters. From showcasing the town’s agricultural roots to the community turnout and support, the Tractor Parade is a must-attend event that’ll be sure to have adults and children alike smiling in awe.

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Tractors and Trees, December 3rd & 4th, 2021 — Page 3

Holiday events road closures Express staff The Holiday Tractor Parade has been drawing larger crowds year after year since the first event.

The novelty of tractors strung up with Christmas lights is both amazing and impressive to those who perhaps don’t regularly experience what life in Winters is like.

In efforts to help avoid overcrowding in the downtown area, the event has been split in two events.

The following is a listing of road closures approved by the Winters City Council for the weekend of Dec. 3–4.

Dec. 3 Winters Wonderland Road Closures: • Main

Street

will

be

closed from Railroad Avenue to the Rotary Park parking entrance.

Dec. 4 Holiday Tractor Parade Road Closures: • Main Street will be closed from Grant Avenue to Elliott Street beginning at 4 p.m. The road closures are expected to reopen as soon as the tractors have passed.

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• Cross streets along the parade route on Main Street from Emery Street to First Street will be closed for tractor staging with the exception of a detour route along Fourth Street.

• Cars that remain on the designated no parking zones following the road closure time will be towed.

Parking • Overflow parking is designated at 1 PG&E Lane.

Rotating shuttles will transport visitors from the parking lot to Downtown Winters stops at the City Park and at Winters City Hall.

• Paid parking lots will be available at the Mariani Nut parking lot on Railroad Avenue.

Let’s Celebrate our Winters Wonderland and Tractor Parade together! We are proud to be a part of the Winters Community.

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Page 4 — Tractors and Trees, December 3rd & 4th, 2021

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Let’s All Celebrate Winters Wonderland and Tractor Parade!

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Tractors and Trees, December 3rd & 4th, 2021 — Page 5

Winters Wonderland & Tractor Parade schedule Express staff The Winters District Chamber of Commerce and local businesses are working together to bring a weekend full of holiday cheer, family-friendly fun, and traditional Winters events. To see details from the Winters Chamber, visit www.discoverwinters.com/ holidays.

Dec. 3 Winters Wonderland Visitors and community members can participate in an Elf Hunt and Cocoa Stroll by first checking in at the Farmer’s Closet Boutique (9 Main St.).

Participating businesses will be offering delicious takes on hot cocoa. There will also be Elves hiding along Main Street. Find them to win a sweet treat.

At Rotary Park Santa Claus will be visiting with children. Students from the Winters elementary schools, and the Winters Middle School and Winters High School Band and Choir will be hosting a sign along with traditional holiday music. The annual Winters Tree Lighting ceremony will cap the evening festivities.

Schedule of events: • 4–7 p.m. Elf Hunt & Hot Cocoa • 4–7 p.m. Meet Santa Claus • 5–7 p.m.

Holiday Music • 7 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony Food trucks and local businesses will be present at the event.

They will be set up on Second Street, First Street and Railroad Avenue. Select local businesses will also have specials and food booth opportunities available.

along Main Street. The official route begins from Haven Street (on the west side of the City Park and Little League fields) and ends at Elliot Street (which is on the east side of Rotary Park.)

Schedule of events: • 4 –10 p.m.: Street Closure will be along Main Street between Elliott Street and First Street, and on Railroad Avenue between Russel Street and Abbey Street.

• 6–8 p.m.: Holiday Tractor Parade down Main Street.

The Parade is expected to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Parade announcers will be stationed at Second Street and on Railroad Avenue. There will be limited viewing space available along Main Street from First Street To Railroad Avenue this year due to this year’s set up in the downtown area. This year pergolas are set up along Main Street as private spaces for local business who have sponsored them.

ic caused the cancellation of the Tractor Parade. The Winters Chamber wanted the community to be able to celebrate the tradition in its absence.

Participating Winters residents and businesses have decorated a wooden tractor cutout or put up a decorated tree display as an entry. Visitors and community members can vote on their favorite tractor through Dec. 20. The link to submit an official vote is available on the Winters Chamber Facebook page (www.face book.com/winterschamber /) and on their website www. winterschamber.com/.

Voting is limited to one vote per an email address or phone number. Winners will be announced on Dec. 21.

ABOVE: The Farmer’s Closet Boutique displays its decorated tree for the Winters Trees and Tractors competition.

Trees & Tractors competition The second annual Winters Trees & Tractors competition is back. The inaugural contest was launched last year after the pandem-

LEFT: Winters residents, such as Sonya Godinez, and businesses are decorating tractor cutouts as part of the Holiday Tractor contest.

Anyone can vote on favorites through Dec. 20.

Dec. 4 Tractor Parade Check in with the elf at the Farmer’s Closet Boutique to begin the Elf Hunt and Cocoa Stroll on Dec. 3.

Crystal Apilado/ Express photo

The Holiday Tractor Parade features dozens of farm tractors and equipment decorated in twinkle lights and holiday decor representing local businesses and community organizations. Food trucks and live music will be on site to help get the festivities started before the main event.

Visitors can watch this year’s Tractor Parade from anywhere

Crystal Apilado/ Winters Express

The Lester Farms tractor entry stands ready for the 2019 parade.

Courtesy photo

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Page 6 — Tractors and Trees, December 3rd & 4th, 2021

Winters Fire volunteers bring heart to community

Find Volu bit.ly

By Aaron Geerts

Gifts

Staff writer Since 1902, the Winters Fire Department has served the town through its core values of S.P.I.R.I.T. Service, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect, Innovation and Trust. This has been exemplified over the years with an amazing pedigree of volunteers who dedicate themselves to the safety of residence, as well as bringing light to local youth through the orchestration of their annual Gifts for Kids toy drive.

Originally, fire departments were comprised of hardy hometown volunteers excited to toss buckets of water on fire. As the years passed and towns grew, fire departments grew more organized and developed paid positions.

Volunteers, however, remain crucial to the success of fire departments everywhere – especially the WFD. “We rely heavily on our volunteers for staffing and have two programs. One is the reserve program which focuses on volunteers who’ve had official training through the academy or other formal training,” explained Operations & Training Captain Matt Schechla.

“We also have a resident program for those who live in — what we like to say — a Winters zip code. They don’t require formal training, but it requires more of a time commitment.”

Modernity makes volunteering far more difficult than it used to be. Hours of training are required, certificates must be earned and state bureaucracy must be followed. These requisites may be a burden to some volunteers’ who are going to college or working multiple jobs.

Regardless, the WFD program remains strong, filled with selfless individuals

“Back in the early days when we first started, it was like a big family and everybody were volunteers. We did everything together and went out and fought fires and came home. It didn’t seem like we were doing anything outstanding when we started. We were just helping and doing what we could for the town.”

Terry Karlen, 36-year volunteer firefighter wanting to serve their town.

“One of the hardest things for someone to ask is ‘why be a firefighter?’ ‘Are you willing to get out of bed in the middle of the night or leave holidays to go help someone?’ It’s tough to answer, but when you find people like them, they’re truly gold,” said Schechla.

“Our goal is to make people better than when they

show up. We train, work on education and have a high success rate of getting them hired in other departments. It’s good and bad because we lose them pretty quickly.”

Justin Rominger is one such resident volunteer that embodies what the WFD is all about and has chosen to keep serving his hometown.

Holiday Tractor Parade

“It’s been eye opening, challenging and incredibly rewarding,” Rominger said explaining his experience volunteering. “People are always happy to help and answer questions. The department also does their best to accommodate what we have going on in our lives and careers.”

While volunteers come and go, none have quite matched the dedication of the 2019 citizens of the year, Terry and Barbara Karlen, with Terry clocking in 36 years of volunteer service and Barb at 34.

“Back in the early days when we first started, it was like a big family and everybody were volunteers. We did everything together and went out and fought fires and came home,” said Terry. “It didn’t seem like we were doing anything outstanding when we started. We were just helping

Bey effor untee holid speci annu drive sence mire last & E Baum lect a pove town “W back bring Winters Fire gethe Department hosted a Gifts For look partm Kids donation “Peo drop off and Fill maki the Boot event in is so December 2020 and l so community a par members could reach participate in the tions Wh efforts. for K those Crystal Apilado/ Winters Express The p name and doing what we couldnow o for the town.” for K Very much a family affairtain for the Karlens, Terry firstthere started volunteering tothe o spend time with his son Roning c who was also a firefighter.Mari Soon after, Barbara joinedprogr in the family labor. In over Wh three decades of volunteer-rines ing, it’s serving with his sonserve that’s most memorable. some “At one point when Ron-due nie was still with the WFD,unab I got to go out on a coupleto W of strike teams with himpate. and that was a lot of fun,”serve recalled Terry. “Just beingWint able to work with him was Typ the most rewarding.” rade Winters Fire is activelydona seeking community mem-hosts bers and those who haveevery an interest in pursuing alitera career in the fire service.boot Interested individuals cancan b fill out an interest form andlocal Winters Fire will follow updona to share details about theirdrop volunteer opportunities.be fo

Enjoy the Winters Wonderland and Tractor Parade!

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Tractors and Trees, December 3rd & 4th, 2021 — Page 7 Find the Resident/Reserve Volunteer Interest Form at bit.ly/3oJmwyH.

Gifts for Kids

Beyond the exhaustive efforts given by the volunteers year-round, the holidays are particularly special as they host their annual Gifts for Kids toy drive. Although the absence of the Tractor Parade mired the drive’s success last year, Fleet/Facilities & EMS Captain Cheyne Baumgart is excited to collect and deliver toys to impoverished children in the town.

“We’re excited to have it back. The Tractor Parade brings the community together and something we ts For look forward to as a department,” Baumgart said. n “People coming out and Fill making holiday memories nt in is something we support 020 and look forward to being ty a part of. It also helps out uld reaching people for donan the tions” What’s special about Gifts for Kids is that it serves those who live in Winters.

The program underwent a name change in 2019 and is now officially called “Gifts for Kids.” Prevention Captain Art Mendoza said there were challenges with the old name which was being confused with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

While the local area’s Marines toy donation program serves all of Yolo County, some Winters families, due to hardships, may be unable to make the drive to Woodland to participate. Gifts for Kids directly serves those who live at a Winters residence.

Typically, the Tractor Parade is a huge pull for toy donations. The WFD also hosts a ‘Fill the Boot’ event every year where donors literally fill a fireman’s boot with money so they can buy toys. On top of that, local businesses also set up donation bins for people to drop off toys. One can also be found – of course – at the

“We’re excited to have it back.

The Tractor Parade brings the community together and something we look forward to as a department.

People coming out and making holiday memories is something we support and look forward to being a part of.”

Cheyne Baumgart, Fleet/Facilities & EMS Captain

Courtesy photo

fire station itself at 700 W Main St. Although there are no definitive dates yet established for this year’s toy drive events, Baumgart ensures they’ll be announced soon on the WFD’s social media accounts.

Captain Matthew Schechla, right, observes as Volunteer Firefighter Kitsia Pelayo operates a pump on the engine. In November 2020, 12 Winters Volunteer Firefighters attended two 40-hour courses where they achieved State Fire Training certification as Driver/Pump Operators.

“We’re trying something new for the first time. In the past, we’ve used paper donation application forms for families wanting to receive gifts. This year we’re

trying an electronic Google document form,” said Baumgart. “If that doesn’t work, or if applicants don’t have an email address, we still have paper forms.

Courtesy photo

Winters Fire Department Captains Cheyne Baumgart, Art Mendoza and Matthew Schechla took center stage at the 2019 Winters Senior Foundation annual Christmas event to collect donated toys and ensure a happy Christmas for some Winters children.

We’re just trying to make it easier for everybody, but if we have to, we’re willing and prepared to help people fill out their paper forms.”

For families wanting to receive toys, applications are due by Dec 3. Donations, however, are accepted all the way up until Christmas Eve. “This is one of the most fulfilling events I’ve done in my career. One of our associates dresses up as Santa, we put a nice backdrop up and families come and pick up toys and get donuts, hot coffee and take pictures with Santa,” Baumgart remarked. “It’s a day we get together and do something we’re all excited about and help people out.”

Even though receiving gifts feels good, it’s nothing compared to giving them. With the help of the community, hopefully the WFD’s Gifts for Kids toy drive will be more successful than ever!

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Page 8 — Tractors and Trees, December 3rd & 4th, 2021

Tractors and Trees, December 3rd & 4th, 2021 — Page 9

Behind Santa’s beard — Spreading Christmas cheer

By Aaron Geerts Staff writer They say imitation is the highest form of flattery.

Therefore, Santa Claus should be proud of how Mike Sebastian has assisted in sharing holiday cheer in Winters for over three decades. As holly as he is jolly, in and out of character, Sebastian reflects on his time as Winters’ resident Saint Nick.

Many years ago – in a time known as 80’s – Sebastian put on the big white beard and red coat for the first time waving customers into a Christmas tree lot.

Seeing how well the Santa persona fit, Sebastian didn’t hesitate to accept another offer that followed shortly thereafter.

“After the Christmas tree gig, I went to Waggoner Elementary as Santa every year until about 10 years ago,” Sebastian said.

“My mom worked there, and she’d take me to each classroom and I’d pass out candy canes to the kids.

Around the same time, they asked me to be the city Santa as well. So I did that, helped light the tree at the Christmas tree lighting, then walked to the gazebo and listened to dozens of kids.”

A full-fledged seasonal Santa, Sebastian spread

Courtesy photo

Mike Sebastian helped Santa Claus to bring the Christmas spirit to the Winters community for over three decades. Here he holds his grandson Noah, meeting Santa for the first time in 2018.

“There were a few times I went to see really poor families, they’d open the door and the kids would be crying because Santa brought them a toy. It’s gratifying to bring joy to these kids’ lives.” holiday cheer like glitter.

In fact, he even turned his personification of Saint Nicholas into a business.

“I used to go to people’s houses and load my bag

with toys. I’d take it in the house and the kids would go nuts,” Sebastian explained his holiday housecalls. “I’d read The Night Before Christmas to them

and give them toys too. At one point I was up to 12 houses on Christmas Eve. I’ve given out engagement rings, keys to cars, it’s cool that Santa gets to do that and just see what’s going on.”

Although Sebastian’s enterprise seems simple enough on paper, doing it for over 30 years yields a generational clientele.

The children’s Santa once visited grew up and had children of their own who would also get to enjoy a visit from him. It’s the decades of smiles, laughter and happiness that kept Sebastian suiting up.

“When the kids open the door, the look on their faces was just priceless. They say ‘oh my God, Santa’s here!’

I tried my best to keep the persona, even if I knew the family. Sometimes people would say ‘Hey Mike!’”

Sebastian mused over the memories. “There were a few times I went to see really poor families, they’d open the door and the kids would be crying because Santa brought them a toy.

It’s gratifying to bring joy to these kids’ lives.”

After years spreading smiles as Santa, Sebastian finally hung up the beard due to health issues.

His memories as Santa, however, warm his heart like a cup of hot cocoa on

“To see these families for all these years and watching their kids grow up, and then they have kids, it’s just very fulfilling for me to be a part of their Christmas’ and bring joy to the kids and the families.”

Mike Sebastian, a.k.a. Santa Christmas Eve. “It means the world to me to have been Santa for 35 years. I brought joy to so many people and myself watching these kids,” said Sebastian. “To see these families for all these years and watching their kids grow up, and then they have kids, it’s just very fulfilling for me to be a part of their Christmas’ and bring joy to the kids and the families.”

Although he’s retired from being Santa, the smiles and joy he perpetuated for years will live on in fond memories of those he visited.

Little Pioneers go on a hayride

By Aaron Geerts Express staff writer The munchkins of the Little Pioneer Daycare Center saddled up for a tractor-pulled hayride in the neighborhood on Friday, Nov 19. Coinciding with cookie decorating, the whole experience was devised to bolster the month’s educational theme of thankfulness.

“Each month at Little Pi-

oneers, we have one family activity that relates to the educational theme of the month. Last Friday, we were having our Thankful Party to celebrate what we are thankful for,” said Little Pioneers administrator Sheri Lester. “Our children have been learning all month about what they’re thankful for and about the season of Fall.

They also learned about

specific colors, shapes and letters every month.”

With a John Deere-powered hayride around the block and frosting-smothered sugar cookies abound, the Thankful Party was an unbridled success for the Little Pioneers.

The next family activity will include a Walking Family Christmas Parade around Winters

Aaron Geerts/Winters Express

Children at Little Pioneers Day Care Center went on a tractor-pulled hayride in part of a Thankful Party in November. neighborhoods. Keep a lookout for the Little Pi-

oneers on Friday, Dec. 17 starting around 3:30 p.m.

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Page 10 — Tractors and Trees, December 3rd & 4th, 2021

Chilly weather sippers

A

s an adult, or so my age suggests, I have really come to appreciate what downtown Winters has become.

There is something special about having the opportunity to enjoy good food, good drinks and good company within city limits. These little joys are especially important right now as we make efforts to reconnect and make up for lost time together.

The California version of Autumn has begun to transform into its version of Winter with chilly temperatures, misty atmospheres and even colder nights. There are so many places in town to enjoy a hot sip of something.

One of my favorites is Steady Eddy’s Coffee Shop. I love the outdoor seating areas. There’s something comforting in sitting out in the brisk air with a hot cuppa in your hands. Between home-roasted coffee varieties, fancy mochas and lattes, and

a selection of teas to choose from there is something for everyone. My daughters appreciate a cup of hot cocoa topped with a mountain of whipped cream.

I’m also a fan of enjoying an after meal cup of coffee or tea at Preserve and Carboni’s Risorante. Both also have a fantastic outdoor seating area to enjoy the California winter.

However, Putah Creek Cafe cannot be beat if you’re looking for a simple cup of coffee and good company. One of my favorite things to do is to go in early to see the ranchers at their morning breakfast table. It must be one of those small-town joys and community comforts.

It’s the perfect time of the year to bring out the crock pots and dutch ovens to make delicious hot drinks (with or without the alcohol) to enjoy at home. Even more of a delight is mostly everything, depending on how fancy you want

to get, can be bought from around town.

Cider sipping Mulled cider is one of my favorite drinks.

My favorite version came from a restaurant I worked in when I lived in Portland and includes mulling spices, cranberry juice, fresh squeezed lemons and local honey. I have used (and seen in recipes) both bourbon or brandy added to mulled cider recipes for an adult beverage.

Other recipes I’ve seen include a spiced version with fresh oranges studded with cloves, black pepper and brown sugar.

These are more along the lines of a traditional Wassail recipe made for Christmas or New Year’s.

If apple cider is not your jam, perhaps

Simmering spices in wine or ciders is a traditional holiday time drink. Mulled cider can be served with or without spirits added in.

Crystal Apilado/ Winters Express

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(L-R): Maria deJesus Rodriguez, Cheryl Rheuby, Bruce Smith, Sandy Vickrey. Not pictured: Angie Bermudez.

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you’re more likely to be found curled up with a book sipping on mulled wine. Winters and Capay Valley offer a variety of wineries to choose from.

There is no shortage of good wine here.

Red wines tend to be the popular choice, however white wines also make a delightful sipper.

Traditional mulling spices and cinnamon bark are also used in these recipes. However, instead of sugar you may opt to try a local infused honey or maple syrup. brandy, bourbon or cognac are often used to spike a mulled wine recipe. I have seen that any favorite liqueur will do though. I’d assume it’s up to personal tastes and preferences to find the balance of spice, sweetness and warmth.

Coco

My made the p Altho comp nienc a fou do it h My to ma with swee dust famil Wh cocoa been vorite nut. I milk. can b oat o For mapl is a f few l varie to ha ey va morn Crystal Apilado/Winters Express I u Meeting for coffee or tea is a great way to connect with cause community members. You never know who you’re going on su to see. some now bottle to save for later.

Tips for a smooth cup into I prefer to use Hot Apple Pie cocktail powd whole spices vs.

Other popular coldCoco ground spices. Whole weather, spiritedset o ingredients allow the drinks include hotcomp drinks to infuse bet- chocolate with pep-coun ter than sprinkling in permint schnapps, finely ground spices hot toddies, and the that may not incorpo- Tomat’s Hot Apple rate in as well. Occa- Pie. sionally we also cheat Since they’ve reand buy mulling spic- tired, you can create es packaged in little your own Hot Apple tea bags. They make Pie cocktail with a crafting it in the crock mug of hot apple cipot really easy. der and about 1 ½ The use of a fine ounces of Tuaca (an mesh strainer or a Italian brandy-based cheesecloth also liqueur with hints helps to strain out any of orange and vanilstray spice ingredi- la). Top it off with ents from your final whipped cream and product. At my house a light dusting of cinwe make a big batch namon or a cinnamon and strain it a few stick. That’s how Sutimes to try and get san De la O used to any floaties out. Then make it. I’ve watched once it has cooled her make it hundreds down we repurposed of times over the the giant apple cider years, usually for me.

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Tractors and Trees, December 3rd & 4th, 2021 — Page 11

Cocoa Sipping My family enjoys a mug of homemade cocoa. I don’t care much for the packets you mix into hot water.

Although, I will not knock them completely. When it comes to convenience and consistency — or when a four-year-old child insists she can do it herself — they get the job done.

My favorite weekend morning is to make a big pot of hot chocolate with milk, cacao powder and a sweetener of choice. I also like to dust in cinnamon for a little extra family-friendly kick.

While my children prefer their cocoa made with whole milk, I have been using a nut milk. So far my favorites have been hazelnut and walnut. I’ve been dabbling with cashew milk. Any other alternative milk can be used if you prefer coconut, oat or soy milk.

For a sweetener, I prefer the pure maple syrup. However, my husband is a fan of honey. We have quite a few local beekeepers who make a variety of types of honey so we like to have fun with the different honey varieties in our cocoa and our morning cup of coffee.

I use organic cacao powder because I’ve been trying to cut down on sugars. I’ve also read that it has some great health benefits, and I now put intention into what I put into my body and diet. But cocoa powder can also be used just fine.

Cocoa powder comes with its own set of benefits, especially when compared to the manufactured counterparts.

Hot cocoa Serves: 2 Ingredients: 2 cups milk of choice 2 tablespoons cacao or cocoa powder 1 tablespoon maple syrup, honey or sugar of choice. ½ teaspoon vanilla Pinch sea salt Instructions In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the milk, cacao/cocoa powder, sweetener of choice and whisk until smooth. Once combined, add in the vanilla and a pinch of salt (this is where I add a sprinkle of cinnamon). Continue to mix until smooth.

Once combined, turn it to medium heat, and bring the milk to a simmer, stirring often often. Don’t let it boil.

Tips for a smooth cup If you’re unsure of the sweetener preference, start by adding in one to two teaspoons at first. You can add more as you go suiting your preference.

You won’t want to go over the one tablespoon or it may overpower the chocolate flavor.

Some sweeteners mix better in warm liquid than cold. Also, I do not suggest mixing sweeteners. The different flavors can be overwhelming by themselves, mixing them may overwhelm the chocolate taste.

Don’t let your mixture come to a full boil.

You want to heat it, but not to the point that it begins to get filmy at the top.

If your cocoa is a bit grainy you can pour it through a fine mesh strainer to help filter out chunks or anything.

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Steady Eddy’s hot cocoa is a fun and warm option for those who do not want coffee. It offers alternative milk options on request.

Christian Duran Photography/ Courtesy photo

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Tractors8 Page 12 — Tractors and Trees, December 3rd & 4th, 2021

A celebration of tractors and lights — Origin of the Parade

By Aaron Geerts Staff writer While others cringe at the smell of tractor exhaust, Winters residence take in a deep breath as it signals the arrival of the holidays — and the Tractor Parade.

From the lights and food vendors to jolly old St. Nick out collecting Christmas wishes, this event has become an annual icon that draws in visitors by the thousands.

However, this event didn’t just happen over night, so we’re cracking open the recent history books to lay out the history and inspiration behind this diesel-fueled sensation of illumination.

It all started with a bottle of wine — or three — among friends on an October evening in 2015. When the conversation began to swirl around the upcoming holidays, Kathy Cowan recalled how her neighbor had decorated an old tractor in the front yard with Christmas lights. That’s when the first tractor parade light bulb turned on, as an idea above Kathy’s head.

The idea of a tractor parade was well-received by the group, and Kathy and her husband Wade Cowan left with one question on their minds, “How do we get this going?”

Luckily for them, they weren’t alone in turning this idea into reality.

Through word of mouth, perseverance and enough volunteer elbow grease to lubricate the axles of every tractor in the parade, the event was primed and ready to precede the lighting of the town Christmas tree.

Even with the hours of hard work put in, expectations were humble as this was to be the very first holiday tractor parade — that, and the fact that only six tractors had committed to

the event with only a week to go. The holiday cheer of the tractor parade, it seemed, would be kept to a dull roar.

However, the holiday season always comes handin-hand with the magic of procrastination, and as the big day drew nearer, six tractors had turned into 32.

The buzz had circulated and the day of the inaugural tractor parade had finally arrived. Wade and Kathy were about to eat dinner at the Buckhorn when a crowd suddenly filled Railroad Avenue and Main Street.

Dinner was immediately postponed, and with an ad hoc effort of Winters Police Department, Winters Fire Department, Winters City Council members and a small army of volunteers, the tractor parade went on without a pout.

“Apparently the tractor parade is going to be a big deal in this town,” Wade recalls saying at the following debriefing meeting, “We need to get more organized.”

In the following years, not only has the organization increased, so has the overall popularity. In 2019 organizers expected to draw over 6,000 visitors.

With the 2020 Tractor Parade was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 event is expected to bring folks back to celebrate.

Even with this explosion of popularity, Wade and Kathy refuse to take credit.

“This is not our event.”

Kathy said, “Everyone helped put this together.”

The annual tractor parade isn’t just an ode to Winters’ agricultural roots, but to its hospitality and the tenacious work ethic of its citizens. It’s because of this work ethic that makes the fruits of our labor shine so bright as they stroll past us at three miles per hour.

Tom Ramos drove the Ramos Orchards entry in the 2017 Lighted Tractor Parade on Dec. 2.

Charles Wallace/ Express photo

Moms on Mopeds ditched the bikes for a trailer and decked themselves out with glow bands and cheer to partake in the parade.

Rosemary Hemenway/ Express photo

The engaging Rominger Brothers Farm entry parades down Main Street in the 2019 Tractor Parde.

Courtesy photo

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