By Blake Jackson
Driving through the countryside of Fleming County, it’s hard to miss the historic covered bridges that have become defining landmarks of this northeastern Kentucky region. With these iconic structures so closely tied to the area’s identity, incorporating their imagery into promotional efforts for one of the county’s most distinctive annual events the FFA Tractor Parade felt like a natural fit.
Each year, thousands of spectators from near and far gather along Flemingsburg’s Main Street to witness one of the largest tractor parades in the region.
For generations, rural communities across Kentucky have hosted similar events to honor their deep-rooted ties to agriculture. This year’s Fleming County parade, held on October 3, marked the 22nd edition and served as the highlight of the county’s Agricultural Education Week 2025.
Parade organizer Adam Hinton, whose family owns the 107-year-old Hinton Mills farm supply business, said the community launched the event to express appreciation to local farmers.
The people of Fleming County started the now famous FFA Tractor Parade to say, “thank you” to the farmers who greatly impact the local economy.” Hinton said, “Throughout the past 22 years, a multitude of people have helped turn the tractor parade into something more than a celebration of agriculture - it is now part of the local culture and who we are as a community.”
The 2025 parade theme, “The Voice of Agriculture,” spotlighted the influence of Kentucky Farm Bureau, with former KFB President Mark Haney serving as grand marshal. Local Farm Bureau members also played essential roles in the event.
Hinton noted that the parade has expanded significantly over time. “With the help of countless volunteers and other ag advocates, we now bring various learning experiences to every student in pre-K through 8th grade in Fleming County Schools during Fleming County Agricultural Education Week,” Hinton said.
The tractor parade now serves as the grand finale, drawing participants from across the region. “Many of the participants are local students, farmers, and leaders, but we see many new faces from various places in the parade each October,” Hinton said.
Spectators of all ages line Main Street for the celebration. “To me, this is Americana,” Hinton said. “If you want to see a kind of cross section of rural America in one day, it's the Fleming County FFA Tractor Parade.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kali9
Categories: Kentucky, Rural Lifestyle