By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo wrapped up on Saturday, with a mixture of sunny skies and a light rain shower in the afternoon. But unlike last year, the IPM held in Simcoe County near the hamlet of Ivy, Ont., was able to run for the full five days.
In 2013, when the IPM took place in Perth County for the 100th anniversary, the final day was cancelled due to excessive rainfall. The downpour, had the plowing match site swimming in pools of water near Mitchell, Ont. The unusual situation marked only the second time that the IPM had been cancelled in its 100-year history. The 1954 match was shut down for one day when Hurricane Hazel passed through Waterloo County. But in 2014 the IPM was able to run its full schedule of fun.
The Saturday of the match is usually the busiest day of the IPM, especially for those who travel far and wide to attend the event, and campout at the RV Park. Bringing a trailer is a good sign that people have committed to a full week at the match. Amongst visitors that can only attend one day, Saturday is usually the preferred day as it includes plenty of things to see and do.
Saturday’s highlights included, the rodeo, two performances of tractor square dancing, helicopter rides, and the concert held on the main stage. This year, hometown native Jason McCoy played live, while attendees danced in the rain wearing ponchos provided by the county of Simcoe and 4-H Ontario.
IPM organizers say they should have final attendance numbers for this year’s plowing match soon. The 2015 IPM will be held in the Cornwall area, put on by the united counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
