The excitement of the holidays was alive on the streets of the Tyrone Borough on the evening of November 30 for the town’s annual Christmas parade.  In the mix of the Christmas cheer, the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter sounded the horn and tossed treats to children lining the streets from their student built parade float.

The members as well as their friends rode through Tyrone Borough in their custom made float. Thanks to Donnie Peterson and family, the chapter was able to get an 18 wheeler with a flatbed to use for the float. The freshmen FFA committee organized the ride, decorations, student signups and food for the interactive event.

The front of the truck sported lights of every color and large “FFA” letters.  Candy canes and more lights ran the length of the trailer while FFA members, family and friends sat hip-to-hip filling the bales of straw used for seating.  The chapter also invited the Warriors Mark and Spirit of the Horse 4-H groups to join in on the fun of the evening.

The parade also gave the FFA members a chance to reconnect with those who had left the chapter due to graduation last year, and current members that have not met before or that are freshman.

“Singing Country Roads with my FFA family brought me great joy and accomplishment,” said senior Guy Williams.  This seems to be a song which has united the group.  No matter where the roads take them, the Country Roads will always take them home to the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter.

“Each year I amazed at how a simple gesture of having a float can bring not only great joy to those standing along the parade route, but unite the students who are riding on the float.  There is something magical about singing songs, sharing stories, and bringing holiday cheer.  It seems to enrich the FFA family and bring students closer,” said Tiffany Hoy, Tyrone Area FFA Chapter advisor. “This is just one example of how our student FFA committees are empowering members to meet our chapter’s mission which includes all types of students who believe that our chapter is student built, student driven, and student owned.”