While the key elements are all in place, there’s still plenty of fine turning to do in the run up the 2016 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, says the chair of the organizing committee.
Town of Minto deputy mayor Ron Faulkner, committee chair for the IPM to be held near Harriston this fall, provided Wellington County council with an update on preparations for the event on March 31.
“We’re in for a busy five months,” said Faulkner, noting the corporate sponsorship committee was recently restructured and is now co-chaired by former Wellington North mayor Ray Tout and Harriston resident Ross Wilkie.
“I have a renewed confidence that their work will help us to reach our goals,” said Faulkner. “The physical elements are all in place to host a successful match.”
He noted land for plowing, parking and exhibits has all been secured. In terms of “fine tuning,” he said items like wagons and tractors to transport visitors around the grounds are still needed.
‘Tremendous support’
“The entertainment, shows and demonstrations are, again, in great shape,” said Faulkner, adding, “We’re striving for balance. If we book too many shows the exhibitors complain.”
On behalf of the committee he expressed appreciation to the county for its “tremendous support to our project in all aspects” and noted he plans to visit councils of member municipalities “to promote the match and investigate resources that you might like to help us with.”
Faulkner stated, “this event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase to the world, and I do mean the world, the richness of our county.”
He added, “All residents of Wellington County should attend the match to celebrate our present, remember our heritage and discover our future.”
Councillor Lynda White noted participating in an event on the scale of an IPM is a rewarding experience and encouraged members of council to “volunteer for anything they can” to help out with the match.
