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PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT 37
Minto ON, September 20-24, 2016
A Fresh Taste of Farming
The Ontario Plowmen’s Association
(OPA) is thrilled to partner with
Wellington County to host the 2016
International Plowing Match and Rural
Expo (IPM) in the Town of Minto
– Harriston – this September. Each
year the IPM offers many familiar
and anticipated yearly features and
attractions, while also incorporating
the ambience and flare of the local
area and hosts. The location of this
year’s Match is centered in rich farm
tradition and supported by a wealth of
volunteers who are dedicated to creating
a successful, fun and community-based
event.
A Fresh Taste of Farming
Wellington County is looking
forward to hosting the IPM 2016 and
will uniquely showcase Wellington’s
past, present and future in a wide-range
of exhibits that will feature agriculture,
plowing, food, tourism, agri-tourism,
rural living, technology and so much
more.
The County Showcase will highlight
the extensive agricultural presence in
the county: there are more than 90 agri-
food companies that employ over 6500
people. The University of Guelph, and
in particular the Ontario Agricultural
College and the Ontario Veterinary
College, are world-class educational
centres.
The Showcase will include
interactive demonstration stations such
as wood carving, kiosks highlighting
businesses and municipalities and a
zipline 175ft long and 30ft in the air
over top of a living, growing Wellington
County map. Don’t miss the farmers’
market area and have a seat to enjoy
local entertainers.
For Farmers, by Farmers
The Farming for the Future tent has
been expanded again in 2016. As a
result of the success of 2015 “Tailgate
Talks” this feature is growing and will
continue to offer easy to understand,
professional information on a number of
topics such as Agri-Tourism, new crops
and innovations and the environment.
Don’t miss the environmentally correct
model farm – the centrepiece of the
tent.
The IPMAuctioneers’ Challenge
has also been expanded this year.
The Auctioneers’ Challenge is a
wonderful event allowing the audience
to experience the fast-talking, fast-
paced environment of a farm auction.
Auctioneers will demonstrate their
skills as they sell a wide variety of
items – including live cattle. Wave at a
friend and you might be a buyer!
Family. Farm. Fun.
Everyone will enjoy the featured
entertainment the IPM is offering this
year.
A highlight of this years’ Match is sure
to be the RCMP Musical Ride! Visitors
will be thrilled with the showmanship
of the Musical Ride. The Ride is
performed by a troop of 32 riders and
their horses. The show features intricate
figures and drills all choreographed
to music. The RCMP Musical Ride is
scheduled for 2 shows on Tuesday and
Wednesday. Around the show times,
visitors are welcome to visit the barn
and meet the horses and their RCMP
team members.
The Hydro One Education area
continues to provide activities and
features geared for children from
primary through secondary school.
As you move from event to event and
tent to tent be sure to visit the over 500
vendors and exhibitors that bring Tented
City to life. Don’t miss Mutual Square
in the centre of Tented City.
Stages throughout the Match
will provide a wide array of local
entertainment – including Tribute Bands
– there is something for everyone. This
years Match will also feature Jousting
competitions and the RAM Rodeo Tour
is a regular feature that thrills visitors.
The Plowing Fields are a must see
at the Match each year. Don’t miss the
BMO Plowing Competition. Plowmen of
all ages – 10 – thru 80+ – will compete
using walking and sulky horse and plows
as well as tractor plows. Judges score
each furrow and the points are gathered
over the 4-day competition. Winning
plowmen are honoured at the Celebration
of Excellence Awards Banquet.
Whether the Plowmen are using antique
machinery, or the newest technologies,
today plowing remains a critical step in
farming and food production.
The 2016 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo