Lighted Tractor Parade Rides Through Howard County

Lisbon, MD - “The Great Lisbon Farmers Feed The Hungry Christmas Parade” will kicked off Dec. 12, as Grand Marshall (and Howard County Executive) Allan Kittleman leads the parade in the County’s rural western historic town known that has become known for its celebratory parades. This year the town hoste a half-hour lighted tractor parade that began shortly after 4pm at twilight and ran down Lisbon’s “Main Street” (Frederick Road/Route 144) heading west from Daisy Road to the Lisbon Circle. All were welcome to this free event on what will be a beautiful day given by the grace of Mother Nature!

You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch! ...

“The Grinch may have stolen Christmas, But Howard County’s farmers are here to save it!” says the parade’s official press release! “O.K., the Grinch did not really steal Christmas away from Lisbon, but for hundreds of horse people,
it has definitely felt that way. “

The Lisbon Horse Parade, which has gained notoriety as one of Maryland’s best equine events, has been canceled, and for the recipients of the services provided by the Howard and Carroll County Food Banks, the cancellation of the
parade has posed a serious financial threat. Thankfully, the farmers of Howard County have rallied to the rescue!

What happened to The Horse Parade?

In short, some might say that the Lisbon Christmas Horse Parade was “too successful.” The phenomenally popular
parade grew to over 500 horses in just a few short years. 500 horses, plus the accompanying carriages, wagons, support people, overwhelmed the small burg’s physical resources, resulting in logistical challenges that were insurmountable for this year, according to committee members. The committee will endeavor to bring back the Horse Parade in 2016. With the tremendous amount of support and good will from local citizens as well the elected officials in the Howard County and Maryland state governments, the committee looks forward to retooling and reintroducing the horse parade in 2016.

Meanwhile, many are wondering what will become of the beneficiaries of the parade, which are local Food Banks and the Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department. Since its debut, the parade has raised over $30,000 for these worthy
causes.

Farmers Ride To The Rescue!

On December 12, local farmers will fill in for the horse people, with a somewhat different horse-power: tractors and farm equipment! The Howard County Farm Bureau, the Howard County Fair Association and the Howard County Farm Heritage Museum are filling in the gaps, taking up the gauntlet and leading the charge for raising funds for the Howard & Carroll County Food Banks, and for a new beneficiary this year: Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry, which underwrites the costs of processing donated venison for the food banks.

Horse farmers and traditional hay, grain and livestock farmers will join forces on Saturday, December 12 in a rolling equipment festival, featuring contemporary and antique tractors decked out in holiday finery! The parade is schedule to commence at dusk, the better to maximize decorative lights. And organizers want everyone to know: there will be no discrimination against tractor colors!

Celebrate in Lisbon After the Parade!

After the parade, spectators and participants can head over to the LVFD Christmas Village, which will feature Christmas Village, which will feature live music with Locally Grown Howard County Maryland Musician Miranda Judd and DJ Doug “Elvis” Pheobus, a bonfire, gift and food vendors, and pony rides. A central feature of the Christmas Village will be the local micro-brewery beer garden, featuring local farm breweries Manor Hill and The Milkhouse at Stillpoint (slogan: “No Farms; No Beer”).

See you in Lisbon, Maryland tomorrow, Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 4 p.m. for The Great Lisbon FARMERS FEED THE HUNGRY Christmas Parade!

The Lisbon Christmas Parade Farmers Feed The Hungry to benefit:

* Howard County Food Bank
* Carroll County Food Bank
* Farmers & Hunters Feeding The Hungry
* Lisbon Volunteer Fire Department

Once again, the parade and fun begin on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 4 p.m. Plus don’t miss out on the bonfire, live music, holiday vendors & fried chicken & ham dinner that follow. For more info, visit the Lisbon Volunteer
Fire Department. at: www.lisbonchristmashorseparade.org/