23/09: International Plowing Match
Category: General
Posted by: The Agnew Family
I'm not sure why the International Plowing Match (IPM) has "international" in it's name as it is held in Ontario each year. Apparently Europe has Plowing Competitions but at least to the casual observer they don't seem to be related to our plowing matches. For some reason Ed and Victor like to go the the IPM when it's held in south western Ontario --- I think it has something to do with tractors. This year the IPM was held just south of Harriston, a mere half hour from Walkerton so Anne, Victor, Ed and I went to check it out.
For a minute I will digress and tell you what is involved in setting up the IPM from the view of someone driving past the site occasionally. About 6 to 8 weeks before the IPM electrical poles start appearing in fields. Some of the poles are in the "campground" providing electricity to the approximately 1000 camp sites and the remainder are in the main site for the exhibitors. About 4 weeks before the IPM wire is on the poles and tents begin to appear. Just over 2 weeks before the IPM (we were leaving for New Brunswick) more tents were set up and large rocks, trees and plants were appearing in gardens.
There were a number of exhibits
and lots of vendors.
This year the Mounted Police Musical Ride performed, there was jousting, a horse show, plowing competitions and much more. Unfortunately our timing was bad and we missed most of the performances. Every time we go to the IPM I say "next time I want to watch the plowing" .... maybe next near I'll get to see the plowing.
Something you can make if you ever have a bunch of old boots.
For a minute I will digress and tell you what is involved in setting up the IPM from the view of someone driving past the site occasionally. About 6 to 8 weeks before the IPM electrical poles start appearing in fields. Some of the poles are in the "campground" providing electricity to the approximately 1000 camp sites and the remainder are in the main site for the exhibitors. About 4 weeks before the IPM wire is on the poles and tents begin to appear. Just over 2 weeks before the IPM (we were leaving for New Brunswick) more tents were set up and large rocks, trees and plants were appearing in gardens.
There were a number of exhibits
and lots of vendors.
This year the Mounted Police Musical Ride performed, there was jousting, a horse show, plowing competitions and much more. Unfortunately our timing was bad and we missed most of the performances. Every time we go to the IPM I say "next time I want to watch the plowing" .... maybe next near I'll get to see the plowing.
Something you can make if you ever have a bunch of old boots.