Last year, Norwich High School students and local residents came together to support a student after his tractor was impounded from the high school parking lot, creating a public controversy that led to the creation of a sanctioned annual Tractor Day. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NORWICH — The Norwich High School, students and area locals are participating in the second annual Tractor Day Parade at 7:30 a.m. on June 9 meeting in Grand Union parking lot located off of Main Street.

Norwich Superintendent Scott Ryan said, “Tractor day is a spin-off from the debacle last year and the key player is Braedon Baker. Last year, I reached out to him and his family to create a positive outcome for those that enjoy agriculture.”

“We've been planning this event since last year, coordinating with the school and actually set the date then too,” Ryan said.

“Our school budget has also given us the opportunity to support science and we're putting in an Ag lab in the middle school,” he added.

Braedon Baker said, “Anyone who plans on participating in this Friday’s Tractor Day will be meeting at 7:30 a.m. at Grand Union and leaving at 7:45 a.m. to parade over to the schools designated parking lot which is behind the middle school at the little league field.

He also requested that all tractor drivers follow the road laws and use safety precautions, including the use of orange triangles. A map of route can be found on his social media Facebook page.

“Get your tractors running and full of fuel and thanks to @whistlindiesel for making this all possible.” Baker added.

“We're expecting about 20 locals to come with tractors, it means a lot to me how people come together to support me. It's nice to know that there's still people out there who have pride for what they do and aren't afraid to stand up to support what they believe,” said Baker.

Last May, Baker drove a tractor to school with intentions of picking up lumber after class but because he didn't have permission to park on the school grounds, the tractor was impounded.

The incident caused a social media backlash resulting in a social media influencer with 2 million followers, whistlindiesel on Instagram, to support the student by offering to pay $500 to anyone who drove their tractor to the school on Monday.

The whistlindiesel account posted, “ I don't know this kid but @braedonbaker07 drove his tractor to school and the police impounded it out of the school parking lot while he was inside. When I was younger, the school literally had a day intended for kids driving their tractors to school.

Whistlindiesel explained, “I'm not mad just disappointed. I don't believe calling them is going to send the message I want. I'm paying $500 PayPal to EVERY SINGLE PERSON that drives their tractor to Norwich New York high school Monday.”

Dozens of students and farmers drove their tractor to the school in protest. One student said he was going to join in just to get the money.

Former Norwich Police Chief, Rodney Marsh stated it was not illegal to drive a tractor to school, but said the school district could file a complaint to have any vehicle impounded that was parked on school property without permission.