DUFFERIN COUNTY – Organizers are busy making final preparations for the annual International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) that will take place at Bowling Green in Dufferin County.
From Sept. 19 to 23 in Dufferin County, farmers will open their fields and transform them into a large rural expo which includes a tented city, daily entertainment, animal exhibits, demonstrations, local artisans, farm and rural goods and services, a rodeo and plowing competitions.
The IPM is a five-day celebration of agriculture and rural living.
There will be plowing competitions, activities for people of all ages, numerous opportunities to learn about agriculture, daily live entertainment in multiple match venues, hundreds of vendors and exhibits, a wide variety of food, and an RV park.
“This is the very first time in the over-100 year history of the IPM that it is being held here in Dufferin County, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome all the visitors to our beautiful part of the province,” states co-chair of local IPM organizing committee Dawn Van Kampen in a press release.
“The Headwaters of the Grand offers outstanding agricultural land and a dynamic group of people who will make the 2023 IPM an outstanding event,” states Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) president Floyd Wills.
The IPM was created by the OPA in 1913 to showcase farmers’ passion for the soil, agriculture and rural living.
Its now the largest event of its kind in Canada, attracting people from all over the world. Historical attendance numbers exceed 70,000 people over the five-day event.
Tourism industry figures put the economic impact of the IPM at about $25 million annually (not including the long-term benefits this exposure provides) and it spurs tourism in the surrounding area for years to come.
Plows remain a key feature of the event including old-fashioned horse-drawn plows and tractors using both traditional and modern, high-tech plows.
In its over 100-year history the overall experience has evolved into a massive rural expo where the main goals continue to be agriculture education and an entertaining experience.
Organizers say it isn’t too late to get involved – whether as a participant, sponsor or volunteer.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our community that isn’t to be missed (and) we want to make sure everyone who wants to be involved is,” Van Kampen said.
The event also provides a unique opportunity to give back to the host community, as profits are donated to groups and organizations within the host communities.
Last year the organizing committee in Leeds and Grenville, distributed $145,000 to local charitable organizations.
“That’s a powerful legacy for the community and everyone here is working extremely hard to make sure we can make a similarly impactful contribution to our own community,” states local committee co-chair Bill McCutcheon.
To find out how to get involved as a volunteer, contact Cindy at cindysabo@xplornet.ca.
For sponsorship opportunities contact Alan Howe at alan.howe@sympatico.ca.
For exhibitor information contact admin@plowingmatch.org.
For general inquiries visit plowingmatch.org or follow on Facebook or Instagram.
