Plans for the 2016 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo are moving forward smoothly, with nearly 1,000 acres of land secured and a varied line-up of entertainment and exhibits booked.
Organizing committee chair Ron Faulkner updated Wellington County council on Oct. 29 on preparations for the event, to be held from Sept. 20 to 24 on the Harriston-area farm of Anne and Earl Schneider.
Faulkner told council the committee now has 938 acres of land under contract for the event, and has recently secured a barn for the horses involved.
Between 400 and 500 sites have already been sold in the recreational vehicle park and Faulkner said organizers are “pleased with the progress of the tented city.”
The OPP Golden Helmets motorcycle demonstration team has confirmed it will perform at the event and Faulkner anticipates a major announcement on the entertainment front in January. While stating he can’t yet identify the act, Faulkner said, “It’s a tremendous draw and it’s something that doesn’t come to Ontario very often.”
An auctioneer’s competition is expected to draw participants from a wide region and finalists will be auctioning off a 1946 Farmall tractor that has been donated to the IPM.
“I can’t believe the groups that are approaching us and asking to be part of the show,” said Faulkner, noting that pig racing organizers have been in touch about staging competitions at the IPM.
“It’s something I’ve never heard of, but apparently it’s a big thing in the States,” he noted.
All the committee chair positions have now been filled, Faulkner reported. He also said several major corporate sponsors have been lined up.
While an overall theme for the 2016 IPM has yet to be chosen, Faulkner said organizers are hoping to coordinate it with local fairs across Wellington County. The theme for the Harriston-Minto Fall Fair, which will be held just days before the IPM, will be “Keep Calm and Plow On.”
Faulkner said the committee was planning to meet with Ontario Plowman’s Association officials this month and the next step would be a meeting with the committee, county and plowing association representatives.
“I want to express from the bottom of my heart how much we appreciate the county’s involvement and support,” said Faulkner.
“If we get the weather there’s no doubt in my mind that this will be the best match ever.”
