Tractor Parade of Lights

One of the first items on the agenda when visiting Vermont around Christmas was the Tractor Parade of Lights. Yes – tractors! I’m from a county in Northern Vermont where dairy farming is prominent. Tractors, cows and the smell of fresh manure are common. Each June, we have a June Dairy Day Festival to honor the hard-working farmers. This holiday season, the farmers helped everyone to celebrate with a parade of lights.

Tractor Parade, Christmas Parade, Dairy Farmer Parade, St. Albans, Vermont, St. Albans Co-op

The first annual event was held on Main Street in St. Albans followed by festivities at the Co-op including visits with Santa, a couple of elves and even a cow (costumed), which was my nieces favorite part. Before the event, I brought my older niece to the store to pick out some canned goods to donate to the food shelf, as suggested. This is a great event for families and to show children at a young age what it means to give back.

Tractor Parade, Christmas Parade, Dairy Farmer Parade, St. Albans, Vermont, St. Albans Co-op

As for the tractors and lights, I’ll let the pictures tell the story. It was pretty hectic so not all the photos came out perfect from where we were but it gives a peek into next years festivities!

Tractor Parade, Christmas Parade, Dairy Farmer Parade, St. Albans, Vermont, St. Albans Co-op Tractor Parade, Christmas Parade, Dairy Farmer Parade, St. Albans, Vermont, St. Albans Co-op Tractor Parade, Christmas Parade, Dairy Farmer Parade, St. Albans, Vermont, St. Albans Co-op Tractor Parade, Christmas Parade, Dairy Farmer Parade, St. Albans, Vermont, St. Albans Co-op Tractor Parade, Christmas Parade, Dairy Farmer Parade, St. Albans, Vermont, St. Albans Co-op

Today I’m linking up with Communal Global, The Jenny EvolutionPhotography Essentials,  and Create With Joy for {Wordless Wednesday}.

Maple Peanut Butter Pie

Dessert Recipe, Pie, Food, Maple Recipe

Over the holiday’s I made two batches of this Maple Peanut Butter Pie and received great reviews. Not only is it great for the Vermonter (we are talking maple syrup here), it’s great for all those with a sweet tooth. A homemade maple cookie crust, chocolate fudge layer with a sweet peanut butter filling. Top with homemade maple whipped cream and you’ll be enjoying this slice of life! Not to mention, it’s super easy?!

Dessert Recipe, Pie, Food

Maple Peanut Butter Pie
Recipe type: Dessert
Serves: 8
Prep time: 
Total time: 
Ingredients
  • 1-1/2 cups crushed cream-filled maple sandwich cookies
  • 3 TBSP butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup hot fudge ice cream topping
  • 1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tsp. maple flavoring
  • 1-1/4 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1 carton (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 TBSP maple syrup
  • ¼ cup chocolate covered peanuts, coarsely chopped (optional)
Directions
  1. In small bowl, mix crushed cookies and butter. Press into the bottom and sides of an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Freeze for five minutes.
  2. In a microwave, warm fudge 5-10 seconds or until spreadable. Spread over the bottom and sides of the crust. Place back into the freezer for the chocolate to set.
  3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter and flavoring until blended. Gradually beat in confectioners sugar, fold in whipped topping. Spoon into crust, spreading evenly. Refrigerate 4 hours or until set.
  4. In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add syrup, beat until stiff peaks form. Serve with the pie, top with peanuts.

 

Enjoy!

Odd Roadside Sights… Texas FM 290

Imagine driving down Farm Road 290 between Peaster and Weatherford, Texas. A two lane road  surrounded by fences, open fields, the occasional home or two and every so often if you pay attention, you’ll pass thru a tiny town. Then up ahead you see a little pull off area.

Would you ever guess there would be a truck ready to sell oysters, shrimp and alligator meat over 300 miles from the closest coast?
Neither did I….


Guess he’s been here for years although my friend from this area said he’s never stopped.
Makes you wonder!

Looking for more interesting spots found along the way on my travels – be sure to follow Down Home Traveler on Instagram

See you on the road!