Shifting Gears

Shifting Gears Tractor Parade is scheduled to roll through Dawn Euphemia Township on August 17. Here’s how you can be a part of it!

1. Choose your wheels, 
2. Sign ‘er up
3. Shine ‘er up!*

*Decorations and flags are encouraged to show support for our agri-businesses and our country. Special prizes may be awarded.

The money raised through the Shifting Gears Tractor Parade will support ongoing programming for guests of Three Oaks Respite Cabin both during and after their stay. The programs will be designed and led by registered therapists who understand the psychological difficulties faced by Farmers and First Responders. 

We continue to be amazed at the support we’ve received from individuals, businesses and the community. The generosity shown to us through donations of time, money and materials from so many is humbling and healing. 

Together we can make a difference. 

1. Drop off and launch address: It will be in the wheat field just north of 1035 Shetland Rd. Florence ON. Signs will direct drivers to the entrance of the field located on Shetland Road.   
2. Registration desk: Drivers are to check-in with the registration desk located in the field upon arrival to confirm their participation, sign the waiver, and if desired to make a donation. 
3. Drop off: Participants are invited to drop off tractors in preparation for the parade from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Friday August 16, and from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturday August 17.  All units must be registered upon arrival and in designated parking spots well before departure therefore, no tractors can be admitted after 1:30 p.m. on August 17.
4. Additional parking: Any participants who are floating in a tractor are  encouraged to use the D.G. Global yard at 1122 Shetland Rd. for unloading, and then proceed to the field at 1035 Shetland Rd. 
5. Launch Time: Shifting Gears Parade will launch at 2:00 p.m. sharp and follow a local route of approximately 12 km ending at the Florence Community Centre. 
6. Tractors parking: Parking will be available for tractors on the Community Centre grounds.

1. Beverages, snacks, and light lunch will be available for participants on the day of the parade until 1:30. 
2. Participants (and their family)  are invited to join for a social and bbq at the Florence Community Centre after the parade at 5:00.    Please ensure that your intention to join the BBQ is indicated on the registration form and the number of people in your party. ‍

The parade will leave the Wheatfield just north of 1035 Shetland Rd. travel north to Bentpath line, travel east to Davis Road, travel south to Bilton line, travel west to Shetland Road, travel south to Lambton Line, travel west to Florence Town Line and then into Florence to the Community Centre.

1. Registration: Registration will be done online, and  may close early if capacity is reached.
2. Waiver: All participants will be expected to sign a waiver upon arrival for the parade on August 17, 2024
3. Information: All rules and registration information can also be found on the Three Oaks Cabin website: https://www.threeoakscabin.com/
4. To contact:  Shifting Gears Tractor Parade Committee please email: shiftinggearsparade@gmail.com or call 519-358-5396.
5. Right of Refusal & Final Determinations: The Shifting GearsTractor Parade Committee will have the final say on any and all matters pertaining to the Shifting Gears Tractor Parade.
6. Cancellation: In the event of a cancellation, notice will be given on the Three Oaks Cabin website: https://www.threeoakscabin.com/
7. Rules: All participants must follow the rules, schedule of events, and other updates, as provided.
8. Payment: Donations are gratefully received at the parade reception on August 17, 2024 (A minimum of $100 is suggested)
9. ‍Tax-Receipt: Donations of $100 or more will receive a tax-receipt for the 2024 tax year.

1. Parade Units: Parade units will consist of individual tractors, semi trucks, and self-powered ag equipment. Decorations and flags are encouraged to show support for our agri-businesses and our country.
2. Tractor Operation: All tractors must be operated by an individual legally eligible to operate a tractor or related eligible parade equipment on roadways in Ontario. Participants will be required to confirm the driver meets this requirement in the waiver signed at the parade event. .  
3.  Passengers: Tractors with cabs may carry one (1) additional passenger if the passenger is  inside the cab and the doors are closed and the passenger has proper seating. Tractors without cabs may only carry the driver of the unit. 
4. Parade Order: The order of units within the parade is at the discretion of the Shifting Gears  Tractor Parade and should be kept through the duration of the parade.
5. Parade Flow: Please keep the parade moving forward and maintain a safe distance between units.
6. Roadworthiness: While we appreciate all entries, for the sake of everyone’s  safety please ensure that your tractor can make the 12 km route without anticipated breakdowns.  
7. Non-Judged Event: There are no judging categories for this parade. However, special prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the Shifting Gears Tractor Parade Committee.
8. ‍Cancellation of Registration: Please notify the Shifting Gears Tractor Parade Committee as soon as possible if circumstances will prevent you from attending the parade. Contact the Committee by email at: shiftinggearsparade@gmail.com.

1. Staging Area: Space is limited in our parade staging area, please park in your designated  place within the space given in the wheat field just north of 1035 Shetland Rd., Florence, ON
2. ‍Additional Parking: Anyone floating in a tractor may use the parking area at DG Global at 1122 Shetland Rd., Florence, ON

1. Impairment:  Use and/or impairment of  alcohol or drugs  is prohibited during the entirety of the event.
2. PTO Shafts: Please disengage all PTO shafts.
3. Speed: Use a safe speed while driving in the staging area
4. Moving: Prior to moving the unit please complete a safety check in the surrounding area.
5. Children: Please exercise a high level of  supervision of children.
6. ‍Spectators: We are expecting spectators to view the parade along the route. To ensure safety of spectators, the Shifting Gears Parade Committee will provide and distribute candy on behalf of the participants. Thank-you for refraining from distributing your own.

1. A light lunch will be provided by Shifting Gears Tractor Parade
2. A bbq will be hosted at the close of the parade at Florence Community Centre  (6213 Mill St. Florence) to celebrate participants and all agriculture in Ontario and is included in participants’ registration.
3. ‍Garbage: Please be respectful of the land we are permitted to use by disposing of garbage in designated bins.