With just a few weeks to go, organizers of the 2023 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) in nearby Dufferin County have issued a call for interested participants, sponsors and volunteers.
The IPM runs Sept. 19 to 23 in the community of Bowling Green, which is part of the Town of Grand Valley.
“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,” said Dawn Van Kampen, co-chair of the local organizing committee, in a news release.
The event, hosted by a local committee and the Guelph-based Ontario Plowmen’s Association, has been held nearly annually since 1913; it was called off during the Spanish influenza and COVID-19 pandemics. It was created as a way for farmers to showcase their passion for the soil, agriculture and rural living and, organizers say, is now the largest event of its kind in Canada, with attendance of about 70,000 people.
In addition to plowing competitions, there is a variety of live performances, demonstrations, activities for people of all ages, vendors and more.
Though organizers say event plans are “well underway,” it’s not too late to get involved.
“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,” said Van Kampen.
Funds raised through this not-for-profit event are donated back into the host community.
Last year’s IPM, held in the counties of Leeds and Grenville, resulted in $145,000 being distributed to charitable organizations.
For more information, visit www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2023.
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