NEWS
International Plowing Match and Rural Expo coming to Dufferin in 2023
Dufferin County has been selected as the host location for the 104th edition of the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM).
This time next year from Sept. 19 to Sept. 23, the farmers’ fields surrounding Bowling Green and Laurel will be transformed into a tented city with plowing competition venues, parking areas and a RV park. The 2023 IPM is being hosted by the municipalities of Amaranth and Grand Valley.
“The Headwaters of the Grand offers outstanding agricultural land and a dynamic group of people who will make the 2023 IPM an outstanding event,” said Robert MacLean, president of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association. “We look forward to this opportunity to re-size some of the features that have just grown too large over the years.”
The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo is the largest event of its kind in North America, spanning five-days. The education and competitive event began in 1913 at Sunnybrook Farm in Toronto.
While the IPM event has been held in counties surrounding Dufferin County in the past, the 2023 IPM will mark the first time the event has been hosted in Dufferin County.
In preparation for next year, both local and provincial organizers will be meeting with leaders in the Grand Valley Agricultural Society, the Shelburne Agricultural Society, and the Orangeville Agricultural Society.
September 8, 2022
Download the complete media release here.
Merry and Bright Festival brings Joy to Community
For almost 8,000 people, happiness and hope were experienced at the “Merry and Bright” Christmas Light Festival. The drive-through event was organized and hosted by the 20/21 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) and the Lindsay Agricultural Society (LAS).
The Lindsay Fairgrounds were transformed into a winter wonderland light spectacular from December 18th to 23d. But, it was heartbreaking for all when the event had to be shut down as a result of the Provincial Government’s Covid-19 lockdown orders.
More than 30 displays and five video projection presentations from Companies, Associations and Individuals provided a beautiful reminder of the true spirit of the Christmas Season and honoured the event theme of Christmas on the Farm. In addition to the IPM display that depicted the highlights of an IPM, the video projection on a LAS Building invited visitors to experience all that the IPM in October 2021 would have to offer.
In keeping with the philosophy of the IPM, the proceeds from the Merry and Bright Festival will be shared with local charitable organizations.
Through the generosity of the Ontario Government’s Celebrate Ontario grant programme, the IPM was a proud partner in this great opportunity to showcase IPM 20/21 and the host
community.
Link to the Photo Gallery and Video Projection...
January, 2021