Springfield High School sophomore Gavin Wonner rides his family’s 1943 John Deere tractor for the Mahoning County school district’s annual Tractor Day on Friday morning. Forty-one vehicles took part in the tradition. Staff photo / Ashley Fox

NEW MIDDLETOWN — Gavin Wonner carefully drove his family’s 1943 John Deere tractor, as his family proudly waved and supported him and his classmates.

Taking part Friday during the annual Tractor Day in the Springfield Local School District, Gavin, 16, said the event symbolizes the area’s unique culture.

“We’re not a city school like most other areas,” he said.

Some students dressed comfortably in sweat pants and hoodies, while others donned their boots and cowboy hats.

At one point, Kenny Chesney’s “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” could be heard coming from one of the rides.

Tractor Day was open for students 16 years and older, with younger students along for the ride, said Tom Yazvak, superintendent for the district.

Tractor Day has been held for as long as many people can remember, Yazvak said. “I’m going to say at least 35 years,” he said.

Leading the parade, Yazvak rode his red 1951 Farmall Cub tractor, which was refurbished by the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center last year, he noted.

It has been in his family since 1964. “This is what I grew up with, cutting grass. Now she’s just for parades and for show,” Yazvak said.

While the pandemic has forced schools to make significant changes, Carolyn Wilson and Gina Vechhione, the senior class advisers, said that it was a goal to keep Tractor Day if possible.

Held on a Friday in May, Wilson said that the event was created for seniors originally.

Instead of the typical 7 a.m. start, it was at 10 a.m. this year.

This year, 41 vehicles and 79 people participated.

Echoing Gavin’s sentiment, Wilson said that the district is “thankful” to have Tractor Day to offer something normal for students.

Making this year’s event more special was that plans were arranged to have a parade leading to Masternick Memorial Health Care Center in New Middletown, which usually sends a van of residents to the school.

Also noting another difference this year, Yazvak said normally each year a “best of show” is announced, but this year a judging panel was not formed.

Shane Wonner, Gavin’s dad, said that his son chose to use the antique tractor that has been in the family for decades.

The tractor is primarily used during antique shows, and the family’s other eight tractors are used for work on the Wonners’ farm, which covers about 400 acres and houses cattle and various crops, Gavin said.

Alongside his siblings, Gavin gets his schoolwork done each day and heads outside, helping his family or going down the road to help his grandfather, Shane said.

“We work until it’s dark,” Gavin said.

afox@tribtoday.com