Five days in September are being remembered as a top 100 event in Ontario for 2019.
At an awards ceremony in Richmond Hill on Thursday, the International Plowing Match (IPM) was celebrated. According to Festival Events Ontario, the designation as a top 100 event is awarded to attractions that excel at drawing tourists and are some of the most well-known and respected celebrations across the province.
“Being recognized as a top festival and event in Ontario is testimony to the dedication and hard work of more than 1,300 community volunteers,” says IPM 2019 Chair Neil Fox. “We were all proud to showcase our Joie de Vivre and the fantastic cultures that we all share.”
Held September 17 to 21 in Verner, the IPM attracted 81,000 visitors and featured 450 vendors and exhibitors and around 160 competitors. The event featured live entertainment such as the Canadian Cowgirl precision drill team and the West Coast Lumberjacks.
“The IPM is a celebration of agriculture and the rural lifestyle with more than a century of history and tradition,” says Sheila Marshall, President of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, parent host of the IPM. “It’s an event that moves to a different Ontario community each year and delivers a major economic boost, in addition to raising funds for community groups and organizations.”
The 2020 IPM will take place in Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes from October 14 to 17.