Guests take a ride around the track at Tioga Downs pulled by a tractor during Winterfest, which kicked off on Nov. 28 and will run until Jan.3 during the weekends. On Saturday, the first ever “Lighted” Tractor parade will take place at Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. beginning at 7 p.m., with prizes awarded. (Photo by Wendy Post)
In a spectacle of lights, and in pure holiday fashion, Tioga Downs Casino, in conjunction with Winterfest, will offer a “Lighted” Tractor Parade beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 on the track at their Nichols, N.Y. location on River Road.
According to Alison Meyer, marketing coordinator for Tioga Downs, there will be tractors, trucks with flat beds, fire trucks, horses, horse drawn wagons, and a Sherriff’s Humvee participating.
The parade will start at 7 p.m. on the racetrack, and the public is welcomed to come and watch.
Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third best parade vehicles with awards being $500 in cash for first place, $300 in cash for second place, and $200 in cash for third place. Winners will also receive trophies.
This is the first time the casino has presented this parade, which is being taking place in conjunction with Winterfest, which is running through Jan. 3, 2015 at Tioga Downs each weekend.
In addition, “Blade”, the Elmira Jackals Mascot, will be appearing as a special guest during the event.
Tioga Downs officially opened their Winterfest celebration on Nov. 28, and is using a mix of old time traditions and new technology to help get people in the holiday spirit. The celebration features a light show with the latest and greatest technology.
“There are approximately 36,000 lights here. We have the one tree that is over three stories tall, and there is over 3,700 lighting channels on it,” said Ken Williams of W&W Nursery, designer and creator of the light show.
Each light bulb is capable of doing more than 16 million colors, which makes the show exactly what Tioga Downs hoped it would be.
“Our owner Mr. Gural has wanted to do something for the winter and holidays events. He wanted to create memories for visitors from faraway and those here in our backyard,” said Linn Redder, vice-president of marketing at Tioga Downs.
Winterfest also has activities that will get you out of your seat and on the move. One of the fan favorites at Winterfest so far is taking a ride around the track. You can either be pulled by tractor or by horse. The light show can be seen from wherever you are on the track.
Every aspect of Winterfest has a holiday feel, that is bringing families together.
Before the opening night was over, Williams was already thinking about ways to improve Winterfest.
“We are already developing ideas for next year to improve,” he added. “This is something that has never been done in the Southern Tier.”
Winterfest is open through Jan. 3 and there is no cost to attend.
Winterfest is running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m., and on Monday, Dec. 29; Tuesday, Dec. 30; and Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. until midnight. Winterfest will not take place on Wednesday, Dec. 24; Thursday, Dec. 25; and Thursday, Jan. 1.
The best part is that the light shows are offered free to the community. To learn more, visit www.tiogadowns.com.
