As humans, we all have those special memories when we reflect upon the myriad experiences that have been a part of our lives.
Notably, one of those recurring memories folks tend to reflect upon and discuss is the traditional FFA Tractor Day that had its genesis at TCCHS back in February of 1976, almost 200 years following the birth of the United States of America in July of 1776. For those not knowledgeable about “FFA,” the three letters refer to the national farming organization dubbed with the name “Future Farmers of America.” Since the USA, Kentucky, and Todd County are well known for agriculture, it is only fitting a farming community and a high school recognized for creative student activities embraced this event during the 1976 celebration of National FFA Week.
Roll the clock back to 1976, and one of the leaders of the local FFA organization was Larry Power, a Todd Countian who still has strong farm connections. Larry, the son of the late Paul and Geraldene (Jerri) Power, shared in conversation in recent days he had read about the unusual event in an FFA magazine, clarifying the idea originated in the Midwest. He first presented the idea to George Fox, past president of the FFA during 1976, and to Arthur Green, then co-leader of the FFA organization at TCCHS. Mr. Green, now mayor of Elkton, informed the students they would need to present the request to the late Andrew Renick, then principal at TCCHS. Larry, who received the official nod to talk with Mr. Renick, added he later sat across from Mr. Renick and presented his idea, immediately being informed by Mr. Renick that parent permission forms would be necessary as a safety precaution. Thus, the idea a senior shared with an advisor and presented to one in a leadership position soon took roots in Todd County, this year marking the half-century milestone for a beloved tradition embedded into Todd County’s heritage and probably one of the longest surviving Tractor Day traditions across the nation.
Those not from Todd County and not familiar with the event are oftentimes baffled by the influx of “tractors” that soon meander their way from the four corners of Todd County on a designated morning and afternoon during the annual celebration of FFA in February. The ending point of the trek is, of course, the TCCHS parking lot where tractors of all types and sizes spend their day awaiting their return trips home to the many farms of Todd County. The event, which will take place this Friday, is one that typically makes folks ‘stop in their lanes’ and ponder exactly what the attraction of this event is. Power shared each year he and his wife offer a special prayer that no one is injured or hurt and that the day is a safe one. He also shared when Darlene Groves and Kim Rager painted the mural on the side of “The Lucky Cowgirl” that he slowed down and reminded them to add something regarding “Tractor Day.” Both artists listened, and though a tractor is not painted, the artists included corn and a barn, two key reminders of our agricultural background.
Sue Rose, a former Todd County School District employee, shared she remembered for many years FFA Tractor Day occurred during George Washington’s birthday with FFA members providing for faculty members apple or cherry pies in honor of Washington. A Facebook post several years ago also shared a memory of Todd County centered on traffic jams on South Main Street as tractors meandered to and from TCCHS. Mrs. Tiffany Davenport, who makes her home with her family on South Main Street and is a TCCHS grad along with her husband, shared, “To our family Tractor Day means, even though we are a homeschool family, we are supporting public schools by supporting farmers who help feed us. It also allows us to see family legacies when they drive the older tractors that remind me of my grandfather’s.”
Adding her family has won for several years in the category of oldest tractor, Anna Jo Parmley, the wife of a farmer and the mother and grandmother of four TCCHS grads and several nieces, messaged, “It was and is the most exciting day of the year for FFA and families. Families work on the tractors for weeks so they will be polished and hopefully the oldest tractor there. Students love riding around town and showing their tractors off, always bringing smiles to many students, families, and friends.” Yes, TCCHS’s FFA Tractor Day is alive and well in Todd County. Most Todd Countians will also share it is an event that more than likely will see its 100th year anniversary in 2076!
~ Article by Carolyn L. Wells
February 25, 2026
